17 March 2023 Roscommon People

Silver guilty of capital murder

Garda Colm Horkan fondly remembered

< DAN DOONER

46-year-old Stephen Silver of Foxford, Co. Mayo was found guilty on Wednesday of the capital murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon over two years ago.

Mr Silver, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, Co. Mayo, had pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Garda Horkan (49). He had pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Following the verdict, Minister for Justice Simon Harris said his thoughts are with the family and friends of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, and with

all his colleagues in An Garda Síochána. He said Colm’s murder “stole from his family and friends a beloved, kind and gentle man who served with duty and distinction, keeping his community safe and serving the State”.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said Wednesday was a sombre day, in particular for Colm Horkan’s family and friends, and for everybody in Colm’s wider Garda family.

Garda Horkan, who was on patrol alone in an unmarked Garda car in Castlerea on the night in question, stopped Silver after receiving a report of someone matching his description driving recklessly on a motorcycle in the town’s Main Street.

The court was previously told that a struggle had ensued between the two

men during which Mr Silver took the detective’s service firearm from its holster and discharged fifteen rounds, hitting Garda Horkan 11 times and wounding him fatally.

The jury had a number of possible verdicts open to them including capital murder, murder or manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility, or self-defence.

The jury of seven men and five women began deliberations at the Central Criminal Court on Monday afternoon. The jury reached a unanimous guilty verdict yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon before Ms Justice Tara Burns.

Mr Silver’s sentencing hearing will begin on Wednesday, April 19th. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years in prison. More on page 3.

Detective Garda Colm Horkan, R.I.P.

Stephen Silver of Foxford, Co. Mayo was found guilty on Wednesday of the capital murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. File photograph.

Compulsory Purchase Order

I understand that my land will be targeted by the local Council to facilitate a road development in my area. I don’t want to sell my land and I am very dis-tressed about this. Is there anything I can do? Will I be compensated? Please advise me.

Certain statutory bodies, to include local authorities, can take land or property without the consent of the owner by means of a compulsory purchase order (CPO). Compulsory purchase only usually takes place to allow a public infrastructure project to go ahead e.g. to facilitate the development of a new road.

If your property is compulsorily purchased, you will be eligible for compensation. Such compensation is designed to restore you, as far as possible, to the same position as you were in before your property was acquired. You should be paid compensation based on the market value of your property. The compensation should reflect both the actual land ac-quired and the reduction in value, if any, of your remaining lands as a result of the CPO.

If your property is going to be compulsorily acquired then you will be served with a formal notice advising you of the proposed CPO. You have the right to raise objections and make representations concerning the proposed CPO. However, it is important that you react quickly as strict time limits apply for lodging objections and for any court actions which may be required to challenge the CPO.

It is important that you receive detailed legal advice on the options open to you. We at Byr-ne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors have handled many compulsory purchase cases from the very initial stages right through to full challenges through the Courts. We work with other experienced professionals to include planners, surveyors and valuers so as to best represent your interests. Please feel free to contact us for further advice specific to your own situation.

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.

A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433

info@bccsolicitors.ie

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

Jenny, Hugh Grant… and making plans for a future visit to the Oscars!

Did you see that ass at the Oscars?

Huh?

…stealing the limelight…

What?

That ass hogging the stage at the Oscars?

He’s no ass. I’m actually a huge fan of Hugh Grant. He wasn’t trying to steal the limelight. He’s just quirky. All he did was give a few deadpan answers to a typically predictable interview…

No, no…

No! You called him an ass! I won’t have it! We need to celebrate individuality, I’m sure you and I can agree on that. I’m sure we both feel the exact same way… that individuality is to be encouraged! Repeat after me…individuality is to be encouraged! Surely everyone agrees on that!

Listen you idiot, I wasn’t referring to that viral Hugh Grant interview. It’s Jenny…

Huh?

JENNY stole the limelight!

Jenny from the Block?

Huh?

I didn’t see Jennifer Lopez being interviewed, but then again I fell asleep three times during the Oscars! Not Jenny from the Block, or Jennifer Lopez, Jenny the donkey/ass!

Huh?

(They pause to draw breath and formally

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

regret ever starting the conversation)

So, did you see the ass at the Oscars? Do we have to do all this again…

Jenny, the ass from The Banshees of Inisherin!

OH! Now I get it! Actually, a donkey… Point is, she made a guest appearance…

Yeah…

So, did you see Jenny?

No. ‘Cos that wasn’t Jenny!

Huh?

You don’t seriously think they’d fly

Jenny in from Ireland, do you?

Well if that wasn’t Jenny, eh…what was it?

That was a stand-in donkey!

A stand-in donkey? Is there such a thing?

There is now. That donkey had to be trained to act like Jenny.

Wow!

To answer your question, I saw the ass – or the donkey – but I didn’t see Jenny, ‘cos she wasn’t there!

Yeah well, at least we won two Oscars, and all the Irish seemed to enjoy the parties…

Yeah, that goes for the Irish media too, they fairly high-tailed it over there! Good luck to them! I’m sure when there’s a Roscommon nominee, the Editor will consider sending us over!

(They pause to fantastise about attending the Oscars, and after-parties, on behalf of the Roscommon People)

So, it wasn’t Jenny?

No, it wasn’t Jenny! I guess she was returned to the ‘stand-in donkey’ agency directly after her appearance…

Yep, back to anonymity! Had a brief walk-on part, strutted, looked pretty, said nothing…just like…

Huh?

Just like your quirky hero, Hugh Grant!

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

Roscommon Drama Festival, which was a great success (well done to the committee, and to all participants)

Northern Irish comedy-drama ‘An Irish Goodbye’ and also for Dubliner Richard Baneham, with the former winning the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, and the latter being part of the team that won the ‘gong’ for Best Visual Effects for their work on ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

The Ireland rugby team, with a hard-earned win over Scotland in Murrayfield keeping Andy Farrell’s side on course for a possible Grand Slam (they play England in Dublin this Saturday)

Roscommon hurlers, with an impressive win over Armagh in the Allianz National Hurling League representing a welcome reversal in their recent fortunes

It’s been a BAD week for… ☹

The BBC, embroiled in crisis over the weekend after the corporation removed Gary Lineker from Match of the Day in a row over impartiality

The England rugby team, this after they endured a 53-10 defeat to France in the Six Nations championship, their biggest home defeat ever.

PIC OF THE WEEK: Dirty job! Ballinameen goalkeeper John McDermott – partcovered in mud – prepares to face a penalty kick during his team’s Tansey Cup match against Western Gaels last Sunday in Ballinameen. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Louise’s is named Repêchage Gold Salon 2023

Louise’s Beauty Studio

TWO NEW TREATMENTS

The latest Anti-Ageing Facial arriving mid April

New Oncology Facials and Products now available for clients being treated for, or recovering from, cancer

Lots of promotions nearer to our 20th year celebrations Vouchers and products can be bought on website shop: louisesbeautystudio.com

What a start to the New Year it’s been for Louise’s Beauty Salon!

Louise, who celebrates 20 years in business in 2023, attended a 2-day Beauty event in Dublin on Sunday and Monday, at which she was formally presented with a Certificate in recognition of her successful completion in January of an Oncology Esthetics Course.

Louise decided to take that course following her trip to New York last December, where she attended the World Beauty Empowerment Conference.

Meanwhile, the event last Sunday and Monday saw salon owners from across Europe gather for two days of product launches and demonstrations, with some special celebrity industry speakers too.

It was during the course of that successful 2-day event that Louise’s Beauty Salon was honoured by being named Repêchage Gold Salon 2023. The popular salon, located at 1 Slieve Ban View, The Walk, Roscommon, will celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year. As she prepares to celebrate this milestone, Louise Conneally-Dowd has confirmed more new treatments and products will be introduced throughout 2023.

“I am now also offering facials and products for any clients who are going through cancer-related treatments”

Louise explains.

In general, it’s been a very

busy period for Louise’s, with a number of new products arriving in, the latest of which is the Mineral Make-up Range from Repêchage.

“I also stock the full Nee make-up range from Milan With the range of products we now offer, all my brides-to-be are in very safe hands!” says Louise.

Also arriving soon – in midApril – is the latest anti-ageing facial from New York.

Louise is excited about the social season ahead, with weddings, functions and numerous other events lined up, all meaning the salon will be busy!

“We’re very well prepared for the season ahead and for all the events that are coming

up. I’m lucky to have the best clients, which makes my job so easy!”

Louise added that there will be lots of promotions coming up as she celebrates the 20th anniversary.

*For more on Louise’s Beauty Studio, to book an appointment and/or to purchase vouchers/ products, visit louisesbeautystudio.com, call 090 6637939, or find the studio on Facebook and Instagram.

Silver found guilty of capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan

< DAN DOONER

46-year-old Stephen Silver of Foxford, Co. Mayo was found guilty on Wednesday of the capital murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon in June 2020.

Mr Silver, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, Co. Mayo, had pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Garda Horkan (49). He had pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Following the verdict, Minister for Justice Simon Harris said his thoughts are with the family and friends of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, and with all his colleagues in An Garda Síochána. He said Colm’s murder “stole from his family and friends a beloved, kind and gentle man who served with duty and distinction, keeping his community safe and serving the State”.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said Wednesday was a sombre day, in particular for Colm Horkan’s family and friends, and for everybody in Colm’s wider Garda family.

Garda Horkan, who was on patrol alone in an unmarked Garda car in Castlerea on the night in question, stopped Silver after receiving a report of someone matching his description driving reck-

lessly on a motorcycle in the town’s Main Street.

The court was previously told that a struggle had ensued between the two men during which Mr Silver took the detective’s service firearm from its holster and discharged fifteen rounds, hitting Garda Horkan 11 times and wounding him fatally.

The jury were told that the main issue in the trial was Silver’s state of mind at the time of the shooting. It was the defence case that he was suffering from a significant relapse of his long-standing bipolar affective disorder when he shot Detective Horkan.

The jury had a number of possible verdicts open to them including capital murder, murder or manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility, or self-defence.

Mr Silver had previously gone on trial for murder in 2022 but the jury at that time failed to reach a verdict.

The jury of seven men and five women began deliberations at the Central Criminal Court on Monday afternoon. The jury reached a unanimous guilty verdict yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon before Ms Justice Tara Burns.

Mr Silver’s sentencing hearing will begin on Wednesday, April 19th. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years in prison.

Statement by Minister for Justice Simon Harris

My thoughts today are with the family and friends of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, and with all his colleagues in An Garda Síochána. Colm’s murder in June 2020 shocked us all.

It stole from his family and friends a beloved, kind and gentle man who served with duty and distinction, keeping his community safe and serving the State.

The Colm his family and friends knew and loved so much became a personal loss for the whole country.

A proud Mayo and GAA man; loved and respected in his community and by his colleagues; steadfast in his duties and professional and wholehearted in doing the job he loved as a Garda. His murder again reminded us of the risks the brave men and women of An Garda Síochána take every day to protect our communities, and the burden all Garda families carry in supporting them.

We also remember the 88 other Gardaí who have lost their lives in the line of duty and their families today.

Detective

take

Picture shows Louise of Louise’s Beauty Salon, Roscommon after her business was named Repêchage Gold Salon 2023 at an event in Dublin on Monday.

‘The Skin Nerd’ AKA Jennifer Rock, congratulates Louise of Louise’s Beauty Salon, Roscommon after her business was named Repêchage Gold Salon 2023 earlier this week.

Garda Horkan exemplified the courage and dedication of An Garda Síochána, and I hope his family, friends and colleagues can

some comfort in justice being done today.

Stephen Silver of Foxford, Co. Mayo was found guilty on Wednesday of the capital murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. File photograph.

Local football club raises funds following tragic death of teammate

< DAN DOONER

A Roscommon football team is raising money in order to help repatriate one of its members who passed away suddenly while visiting Belgium recently.

Roscommon United Football Club has set up a Gofundme page to raise €3,000 for the family of a beloved teammate and friend, Erik Klempar, who sadly passed away at the age of 36.

A friend of Mr Klempar, a father-of-seven, said he had attended the Europa Conference League football match between Gent and Istanbul Basaksehir on Thursday last before touring the city of Gent on Friday.

It is believed he suffered a sudden illness on Friday night/Saturday morning and sadly passed away at his accommodation.

Commenting this week, Chairperson Mike Ryan said: “Our dear friend and teammate Erik passed away on Saturday, March 11th. He was a husband and father to seven children

including five boys and two girls, the youngest of which is only nine months old.

“Erik will be sadly missed by his family and friends in Roscommon town, including all of us at Roscommon United Football Club. We offer our sincere condolenc-

es to his wife and children as well as his family and many friends both here and in his native Slovakia”.

Mr Klempar moved to Roscommon in 2015 and was an integral part of the Roscommon United team since 2017, win-

ning a Masters Cup last summer.

“He was the quiet man of the group, but he led by example in the way that he played football. We all feel lucky to call him our friend and to have shared the field with him,” the club said.

Hospice Coffee Morning in Boyle

A coffee afternoon will be held in Fitzpatrick’s Bar, Grangemore, Boyle on Bank Holiday Monday, April 12th at 2 pm in aid of Roscommon Hospice. Your support would be most appreciated. Donations welcome.

Cloonycolgan Community Centre Committee update

Cloonycolgan Community Centre Committee wish to sincerely thank Phil McLaughlin for coordinating our annual Oiche Gaelach held on Saturday night last. We also thank Ethna Fahy School of Dancers, World Dancing finalist Megan Flynn, Roscommon and Athleague Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann musicians and singers, Nightingale singers and soloists, and Kieran Gavin for his recitation.

Thanks also to those who donated food and prizes and to all who helped in so many ways on the night.

Bingo is held each Monday night in the centre. On Tuesdays, Ethna Fahy conducts primary school dancing from 2 pm to 4.30 pm, Ann McCormack holds Art and Craft lessons (7 pm to 8.30 pm) and Kevin Kelly organises Ceili Dancing between 8.30 pm and 10 pm.

A Card Drive takes place each Thursday at 8.30 pm. Thelma Keenan keeps all fit each Friday from 11 am. Eimear Fox organises Pilates each Friday at 6 pm and 7 pm.

Appeal for fresh daffodils for Daffodil Day

Irish Cancer Society’s annual Daffodil Day fundraiser will take place this year on Friday, March 24th.

“This fundraiser will go towards the repatriation expenses back to his native Slovakia, and to assist the family financially after this profound loss”.

To donate, please visit the ‘Bring Erik Home’ Gofundme page.

Organisation:

As in previous years, the local voluntary organisers of Daffodil Day in Roscommon town are appealing to the public to donate fresh daffodils for the fundraiser.

Volunteers will be available to receive daffodils at the Daffodil Day depot in Unit 1, Stone Court (the old jail), on Thursday, March 23rd, from 11 am to 6 pm.

Volunteers and students will be on the streets and at local supermarkets and shops, selling fresh daffodils, silk daffodils, Daffodil Day Pins, and other Daffodil Day items in support of this annual fundraiser.

Erik Klempar, RIP, (on far right) was a member of the Tús scheme and played an important role in the Roscommon town ‘Flower Power’ project. He is pictured in 2019 with Radoslav Horvath (Tús scheme), Rita Oates, Caitlin McConn (then President of Roscommon Chamber of Commerce), and Cllr Kathleen Shanagher (Roscommon Tidy Towns Association). Erik Kemplar was an ever-present on the Roscommon United football team for the last number of years. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh .

Three Roscommon designs to compete at Junk Kouture final

Three designs from County Roscommon schools are set to compete at the Junk Kouture final in Dublin this May.

STEMinist by Vanessa Kielty, Martha Nugent and Mary McNulty from Elphin Community College, Oriental Empress by Orla Conroy and Katie Martin from Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, and Rococo Royalty by Aisling Harlow from Convent of Mercy, Roscommon have been chosen following the regional finals last week.

Oriental Empress was made using plastic milk cartons, scrap wool and paper, STEMinist e created from plastic medical tubing, nuts and bolts, and Rococo Royalty was designed using ated using old duvet covers, scrap jewellery, fake flowers and lace.

1,200 haute-couture designs made from 100 per cent recycled materials by post-primary students entered the 13th year of the creative programme in Ireland. From this, 300 designs were shortlisted and aired on Junk Kouture’s YouTube and TikTok channel for the 2023 Regional Finals.

St Patrick’s Day at the Abbey Hotel

Taking to one of Ireland’s most prestigious stages, County Roscommon’s three finalists will face stiff competition from over 70 other entries from across the country in this year’s Dublin City Final. Scoil Mhuire Strokestown will compete

with Elphin Community College as well as Convent of Mercy in a bid to secure a space at the inaugural World Final of Junk Kouture where Irish finalists will compete with their fellow creative peers from Paris, Milan, NYC, London and Abu Dhabi.

Join us in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on St. Patrick’s Night from 9.30 pm for music and fun in our front bar with DJ Seamus Duke playing Irish tunes plus hits of the 1980s and ‘90s.

Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine in our front bar or relax and sample our new season lounge food menu with some exciting new dishes to try.

Chef Marco has introduced some mouth-watering new dishes. Also, takeaway Afternoon Tea option and Pizza Menu available. Mother’s Day Gift vouchers also available. Enquiries to events@abbeyhotel.ie and/or call 090 6626240.

Home Improvements with Roscommon Credit Union Ltd

Roscommon Credit Union is gearing up for another bumper month. February saw over 1 million lent to members, with car, home improvements and one-year loans proving the most popular.

Bernie Moran, CEO, explains that February was an exceptional month at Roscommon Credit Union. “We are delighted our members value our loan offerings and – importantly – the personal service we provide in our four branch offices (Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen, Elphin, Strokestown)”.

Bernie believes that one of the main reasons for the increase in loans is the simple and straightforward application process. Members can apply online, by phone and in-person, with fast approvals.

Members are also benefiting from the ease of online and mobile app loan applications, allowing members to apply for a loan in a matter of minutes, upload supporting documents, and once the loan is approved, digitally sign for their loan and have funds transferred electronically.

Historically, March and April are very busy months as members embark on home

improvements – from decorative upgrades to major home renovation and energy-efficiency works.

Bernie adds: “We recognise the importance of home improvements for our members and the need for affordable and flexible finance. Last year we introduced a preferential rate for loans in excess of €20,000, to meet growing demand. No matter the size of the project, we tailor a loan and repayments to our members’ needs with the added benefit of free loan protection insurance, flexible repayments, and the ability to borrow up to €75,000 and spread the cost over a 10-year period”.

Not a member, not a problem, Bernie says – you can join and apply for a loan straight away! There is no waiting or saving period – all loans are assessed on the ability to repay the loan.

Members (both new and existing) are encouraged to look to Roscommon Credit Union first when it comes to financing their plans. To learn more, speak with a member of staff, simply call 090 6626657, email loans@roscommoncu.ie or visit our website roscommoncu.ie.

IMPROVEMENT LOANS

Oriental Empress by Orla Conroy and Katie Martin from Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown was made using plastic milk cartons, scrap wool and paper.

Rococo Royalty by Aisling Harlow from Convent of Mercy, Roscommon was created using old duvet covers, scrap jewellery, fake flowers and lace.

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

THURSDAY

Won’t find it now!

Community update: If you observe any young/young middle-aged/older middle-aged parents looking a touch more stressed than usual in the general Roscommon area around this time, the advice is: Be nice, be patient, and if you really need to know the code, it’s ‘Preparing for the Confirmation, is it?’

FRIDAY

Garygate

I’m old enough to remember prolific goalscorer Gary Lineker’s playing days. Famously, he was never booked in his entire 16-year career. That’s changed now, with his employers, the BBC, issuing a straight red in response to Lineker’s tweet on the UK government’s asylum policy. Lineker will miss this Saturday’s Match of the Day. Over to VAR…

SUNDAY

Grand ambitions

A thrilling rugby game in Murrayfield, with Ireland finding an extra gear in the second half to overcome a talented Scotland team. All eyes now on the Aviva this Saturday, where Ireland should claim the Grand Slam.

SUNDAY

Roasting O’Rourke

Headline on the front page of today’s Sunday Independent: ‘Brolly and Dunphy on Lineker v the BBC’. It made me wonder if George Hook’s mobile was on silent on Saturday.

On an inside page, Brolly at least managed to not make it all about him! Having blasted the Tories, he did allude to Twitter talk of his decidedly less controversial departure from The Sunday Game, adding a great punchline: “I only got sacked. Spare a thought for poor Colm O’Rourke, who ended up managing Meath”.

SUNDAY

A deserved Oscar

I was pleased to see Jamie Lee Curtis win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She was brilliant alongside John Cleese in A Fish Called Wanda back in 1988. Jamie even survived an exchange with Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Show a few months ago. Her late dad, the great Tony Curtis (sensational with Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe and others in ‘Some Like It Hot’ ) made a memorable appearance on the Late Late Show in the Gay Byrne era. (Well done also to all Irish nominees, including the two Irish winners).

MONDAY BBC v Gary

Good news. Gary Lineker’s yellow/red card, issued by BBC bosses who had no contingency plan in place, has been rescinded. With public opinion mostly on his side, and the BBC very much on the defensive, the star sports’ presenter has struck a deal with the hierarchy. He will be back in the Match of the Day hot-seat

this Saturday night. Ever the one for a wry comment, I’m predicting Gary will open the programme with a droll ‘Well, how was your week?’

The explosive controversy centred on a controversial tweet which Lineker posted, in a personal capacity of course. Referencing the UK government’s controversial asylum policy, Lineker likened the language of Suella Braverman & Co. to the language used on the same topic in Germany in the early 1930s.

The BBC took the view that Lineker had breached its impartiality guidelines, hence their decision to ask him to step aside pending an agreement on future social media posting. A host of BBC stars ‘downed tools’ in solidarity with Lineker.

For what it’s worth, I’d have thought sports presenters such as Gary Lineker should be free to post on social media in a personal capacity. For now, peace has broken out. However, the BBC has been damaged by this controversy, not least with a lingering perception that they are kowtowing to the Tory government. The BBC needs to sort out their social media guidelines and avoid getting caught offside so easily in the future.

MONDAY

All shook up

Maybe spare a rueful thought for veteran English broadcaster and journalist David Dimbleby. It’s only a few months since his series, ‘Days that Shook the BBC’, aired. Controversies covered included Martin Bashir’s Panorama special with Princess Diana, the Jimmy Savile abuse scandal, the Prince Andrew interview, etc.

As David and his team wrapped on that impressive series, little did they know that new BBC-shaking days were just around the corner, i.e. the Gary Lineker impartiality row that currently – somewhat bizarrely – has the battered Beeb in meltdown.

TUESDAY ‘Honey’ is sweet

The Cheltenham Racing Festival began today, with the Irish making the customary repeat visits to the winner’s enclosure. It was highly emotional to see the great Honeysuckle, with the magnificent Rachael Blackmore in the saddle, sign off with another thrilling victory.

“She read the script” trainer Henry de Bromhead said afterwards, referring to Honeysuckle, not Rachael.

The occasion was steeped in high emotion. It was Honeysuckle’s farewell, and therefore quite the fairytale finish. But the tragedy that struck the de Bromhead family last September was the deeply emotional backdrop to today’s race. Their 13-year-old son, Henry, died after a racing accident in Kerry. The boy’s dad spoke very movingly today of the incredible support the family continues to receive.

Rachael Blackmore spoke for everyone when she said: “We all wish a very special kid could be here today. He’s watching down on us”.

TUESDAY

Big guy scores 5!

Many years ago when we played in the school yard – some as yet unborn genius still to invent the mobile phone – we’d lose patience if a big fella lorded it, dribbling past everyone and banging in goals for fun.

At 5-0 or 6-0, someone would inevitably mutter that it was time to “switch things around” – either that or jump on the big guy.

Erling Haaland may not dribble like Messi or hit free-kicks/score headers quite like Ronaldo, but Manchester City’s Norwegian giant is a phenomenon. Many of his goals may be from close range (so what?) but – make no mistake –he is a brilliant footballer, blessed with phenomenal positional sense/ movement, strength, power and devastating scoring instincts.

Not only did Haaland score five goals in a Champions League game tonight (against RB Leipzig), he put them away in a 35-minute spell! (Manager Pep Guardiola, in a touching humanitarian gesture(!) replaced Haaland with a sub with half an hour still to play).

Five goals by the big guy in 35 minutes? Definitely time to ‘switch things around’…

Commemoration to mark one year since arrival of Ukrainians

A ‘Better Together Community Commemoration’ event will take place at Donamon Castle this Saturday afternoon (March 18th) from 1 to 4 pm to mark the one-year anniversary of the arrival of Ukrainian refugees to Roscommon.

Thanks to the effort of local volunteers, the former Cuisle Holiday Centre was transformed into a welcome and accommodation centre for people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year. Groups such as Roscommon Lions Club, Roscom-

mon Volunteer Centre, LEADER, and Roscommon County Council came together in a show of tremendous community spirit.

All those involved in the effort to welcome the Ukrainian people to Donamon are invited to attend Saturday’s event. Activities will include a tour of the castle, face-painting, arts and crafts, photo zone, presentation on the history and culture of Ukraine, and samples of Ukrainian food, music and dance.

Our Chefs are busy, working with a delicious menu for this special day with plenty of mouthwatering options for you and your family to enjoy.

Advance Booking Advised

For reservations & menus, please contact us at 09066 37644

Great Food All Day, Every Day

Breakfast: 7–12

Lunch: 12–3

Dinner, Bar Food & Light Bites ‘til 8.30pm

Innovative, Individually Tailored Menus

For your Functions, Parties & Business Events

ATHLONE ROAD, ROSCOMMON 09066 37644; hannonshotel@gmail.com;

Cadbury’s

Cadbury Milk Tray Large Box 530gr €9.75

Noel Connolly pictured with a group of Ukrainian refugees at Cuisle Centre in Donamon in March of last year.

Keenan’s staff raise €1,070 for Alzheimer’s

Staff (and management) at Keenan’s of Tarmonbarry raised a total of €1,070 for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland following their Denim Day for Dementia fundraiser on March 3rd

The staff decided as a team to donate all tips made on the day to the charity, while management agreed to equal tips made in order to add to the team’s donation.

Keenan’s were delighted to announce that €535 was raised with tips, bringing the total to €1,070 raised for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.

Staff at Keenan’s of Tarmonbarry raised a total of €1,070 for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland following their Denim Day for Dementia fundraiser on March 3rd

Community Park will take place from March 20th to 31st

Items can be left at the clubhouse from Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm.

No quilts, duvets or pillows please.

Contact Brid on 085-8492213 for more information. Thanks for your continued support.

Keenan’s would like to thank their staff and all the customers who left tips and donations on the day.

Manager David Keenan said: “I have to compliment the staff on donating their tips. There was a great buzz about the place.

Thanks to all the customers who came through the doors and donated. It was all for a great cause”.

THE BRIDGE CLUB

Happy ‘71 Bridge Club: 1st: Mary McDermott and Ann Kilduff; 2nd: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe; Gross: Tresina Smyth and Larry Shine.

St Coman’s Bridge Club: 1st: Kathleen Corcoran and Kitty

Gately; 2nd: Breege Weir and Evelyn Curley; Gross: Kitty Dowd and Celia Ansboro.

Ballymurray Bridge Club: Club Pairs – 1st: Jane Hunt and Peggie Kelly; 2nd: Ivan Moran and Kevin Moran; Gross: Valerie and Pat Finneran; 3rd: Kitty Blighe and Fiona Neilan.

1st Session: Ann Shine and Kathleen Corcoran; 2nd Session: Marie McSharry and Paraic Brennan.

Kilbride Bridge Club: March 1st – 1st: Anne Igoe and Gertie

McDermott; 2nd: Martina Fallon and Pauline Donohoe; 3rd: Anne Moloney and Sheila Macken. March 8th – 1st: Anne Igoe and Gertie McDermott; 2nd: Bridie and Tom Moran; 3rd: Martina Fallon and Mary Kelly.

Local towns and villages to turn green for St Patrick’s Day

County Roscommon and surrounding areas are preparing for a busy day of parades tomorrow (Friday) as towns and villages across the region turn green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

The Carrick-on-Shannon and Glenamaddy parades kick off at 12.30 pm with plenty of prizes on offer for the most outstanding entries in a variety of different categories.

Meanwhile, St. John’s and Lecarrow Vintage Club will once again host the revival of Lecarrow’s 1949 St. Patrick’s Day Parade with vintage cars and tractors from the local club and floats entered by local business and community groups. Registration for the event takes place at 12 pm at Lecarrow Harbour with the parade departing at 1 pm.

Local businesses have kindly donated prizes and the organisers say they are very grateful for all the support they have received.

Elphin’s parade commences at 2.30 pm and there are over €1,000 in prizes on offer including Best Overall Float and Most Topical, as well as novelty cat-

egories such as Best Hairdo and Most Appropriately Dressed Child.

The Boyle Parade will begin at 3.30 pm. The viewing stand is to move to The Crescent this year. There will be a concert after the parade with Music Generation and DJ Rob. Lots of spot prizes on offer and a great family day guaranteed.

Ballaghaderreen’s parade sets off at 2.30 pm, entering the town

from the Sligo Road. There is €1,000 in prizes up for grabs for entries in Ballaghaderreen and this year’s celebrations also include a Children’s Art Competition.

Finally, the very popular Ballintubber event will set off at 3 pm. It will feature special guest appearances from Mickey and Minnie Mouse as well as food stalls, carnival games and facepainting.

a competition for 3 €50 Vouchers!

GRETB take home prizes at Excellence Awards

Galway and Roscommon ETB (GRETB) took home the Excellence in Organisation Support and Development Award at the inaugural ETB Excellence Awards on Thursday, March 2nd. The awards were run by Education and Training Boards Ireland, who were celebrated ten years of having education and training boards (ETBs) in our country.

Galway and Roscommon ETB won the award for their Procurement Office Green Innovation initiative. This initiative saw food waste from GRETB being reused as compost for the green areas and pitches in Clarin College in Athenry.

Roscommon Community College’s LGBTQI+ Allies group, part of Galway and Roscommon ETB, received the runner-up prize in the ETB Excellence Award for Equality category. This group introduced a Pride Week as well as fostering a more inclusive atmosphere in their school and wider community.

The awards were presented at a special ceremony in Croke Park, which also marked ‘ETB Day’. Hosted by RTÉ newsreader and former ETB student Ray Kennedy, the event was attended by representatives from all sixteen ETBs across the country.

The awards ceremony featured the premiere of the official ETB Heroes video, which features five ETB heroes – including famous faces and former ETB students Ray Kennedy, Tolü Makay and Máire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill – who were matched with five current ETB learners, and explored what their ETB means to them and the impact it has on their life. Featured in the video is Galway and Roscommon ETB student, Fé Ní Chionnaith.

Lisacul Tidy Towns to host information event on biodiversity

Lisacul Tidy Towns is inviting members of the local community to learn more about the group’s biodiversity plan with a professional ecologist in Lisacul Community Centre.

Recently, Lisacul Tidy Towns was successful in obtaining a grant from the Community Foundation for Ireland ‘Environment and Nature Fund’. This grant will allow the group to update, improve and deliver on their Biodiversity Action Plan, with the expert input of ecologist Sheila Murphy.

Sheila will visit the community on the second of April to carry out initial fieldwork, and also to meet with members of the Tidy Towns Committee and all interested members of the community. The event starts at 3 pm, so please come along to learn about what is planned and engage with Sheila and the rest of the committee.

Habitat mapping, hedgerow assessment and general recommendations on improving Lisacul for biodiversity are the main goals. If you want to learn more and have some input to protecting and improving our wildlife, please come along. There will also be tea and cake served on the day!

Urgent AGM called in bid to keepFuerty Centre open

An urgent AGM has been called for Tuesday, March 21st in a bid to keep St. Ciaran’s Community Centre in Fuerty open.

The meeting will take place at 8.30 pm and organisers are calling on people to attend to safeguard the future of the facility.

A statement from the committee read: “Everyone is welcome to attend as this is the community hall and new members are needed in order to keep the centre open.

“This is a wonderful facility in the centre of the village but if it does not have support it will cease to exist. Thanks to all who are supporting it at the moment by organising their events and classes. We trust we will have a good response to this notice”.

Recent 10th annual Roscommon Community Challenge a great success

The 10th annual Roscommon Community Challenge (2023) took place on Friday, March 3rd, from Roscommon Community Sports Park in Lisnamult. In excess of 250 people took part on the night.

Training for the event commenced back in January, a programme delivered by Roscommon Sports Partnership, led by lead coach Noel Feeley and his team: David Brady, Michael O’Donnell and Martin Hannon (communication officer).

When participants achieved their goal of completing their 5km or 10km challenge on the night it was a great achievement for them. Congratulations to all.

The success of the event would not be possible without the commitment and assistance of the wider community, including businesses. The Challenge received overwhelming support from a variety of groups and businesses.

The Community Challenge team wish to express their sincere gratitude to the following: the Roscommon Sports Partnership (Noel Feeley and his entire team); event organiser Jacqueline McCormack; Roscommon Community Sport Park for the use of their facilities; all the participants; Lisnamult residents; Roscommon Special Olympics; Roscommon Garda Station; the Roscommon businesses who supported the event; all groups who donated; the Roscommon People and Roscommon Herald; Roscommon Harriers; all the catering team (Kathleen Carr, Patricia, Caoimhe, Grant, Sophie, Monica, Paul McKenzie, Jane, Fiona, Clodagh, Lorraine, Rita, Martina and Sinead) who provided refreshments; Joe O’Brien and Willie Hegarty for further media coverage; DJ Ashe; all the Marshals; those involved with registration (Kathryn, Caroline, and

Caomihe); the photographers; personal trainer Liam Hannon; Paula and Mary for water stations; Greenfields Childcare, Roscommon Community College, and Roscommon Gaels for use of facilities for car parking; and finally, Denis Naughten TD, Cllr Emer Kelly, Laura Fleming and Ciaráin Murtagh for their support video and messages.

The Community Challenge 2023 was a fantastic event, with a great atmosphere in a central location, an event that caters for all abilities and ages. We were truly fortunate with all the wonderful participants, and are gratefully indebted to all our volunteers. The Community Challenge is a true reflection of the community coming together to participate and volunteer in this annual event. Thanks again.

Looking forward to seeing you all again for Roscommon Community Challenge 2024!

Frank Murphy and Scott Bennett representing Roscommon Harriers at the Roscommon Community Challenge.

Mackenzie Lyons, Caoimhe Leonard, Rachael Tarmey and Sophie Leonard attending the Roscommon Community Challenge.

Pictured at the Roscommon Community Challenge were Roscommon Sport Partnership personnel (left to right) Martin Hannon (Communication Officer), Lead Coach Noel Feeley, David Brady and Michael O’Donnell.

Taking part in the Roscommon Community Challenge were Michaela Noone, Bernie Dolan and Joan Noone.

Pictured at the inaugural ETB Excellence awards ceremony were Georgina Keena (Principal at Roscommon Community College), Martina Quinn (Managing Director and Founder of Alice Public Relations), and Kathryn Dennigan (SASS Coordinator at Roscommon Community College).

SALES

Gary’s endurance challenge in aid of Roscommon SPCA

The Ros Run (10km, half marathon, or full marathon) is a fundraising event held annually in aid of Roscommon SPCA.

This year, Gary Elbert is running the full marathon on the 25th of March – while carrying 20 kilos of weight – to raise much-needed funds for the RSPCA to help with their work in tending to sick and injured animals in the county.

Gary has organised the Roscommon SPCA to collect donations on the day, but you can also donate at idonate.ie/ event/gary-is-fundraising.

Roscommon SPCA said: “Please show support for Gary by sharing and donating. In 2022, we treated and looked after a considerable amount of animals. 444 sick and injured animals

A visit to Glendeer Pet Farm is a fun, family day out for all ages!

A visit to Glendeer is a fun, interactive experience for all the family. People can feed, pet, and even hold some of the animals, which include chicks, deer, pigs, llamas, alpaca, emu, goats, donkeys, sheep, cows, two cheeky monkeys and much more. Not to mention the new babies that are arriving every day, including kid goats, a belted Galloway calf, rabbits and lambs!

After the children feed the animals, they can play on the slide, swings, seesaws and very popular zipline, while adults enjoy fresh coffee/tea and home-made treats. Be amazed at how friendly all of the animals are as the wander up to you looking for food. Each child will get a bag of food to feed the animals as you make your way around the six-acre farm. Why not bring a picnic along to

enjoy – there are lots of picnic benches inside and outside.

While visiting the farm, you can also stretch your legs along the unspoilt nature walk, where you will have to keep your eyes open as you might just see some fairies along the way.

A visit to Glendeer Pet Farm won’t disappoint; there are amenities for kids of all ages. From the maze and obstacle course for the older kids, to the ball pool and soft play toddler area for the small ones – you will find it hard to get away! With the large animal barn and indoor play area, the farm is also suitable for any weather conditions.

The farm will be open from March 17th until October 1st 2023, closing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for March, April and the first two weeks of May (excluding the

Easter holidays). Opening times are 11 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 12 pm to 6 pm on Sunday.

Booking is essential for the farm’s popular Easter Egg Hunts (running at 3 pm on Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) – you can do so on glendeerpetfarm.ie.

Admission costs €9.50 per adult and €9.50 per child (under eighteen months old are free), and family rates are available for families of five or more. Season tickets are also available for €45 per adult and €45 per child, covering unlimited access from March to September.

For more info, call 090 6437147, find us on social media (@ GlendeerPetFarm), visit glendeerpetfarm.ie or email info@ glendeerpetfarm.ie.

were cared for; 81 dogs neutered, 810 cats neutered, 224 cats Trapped Neutered Returned under our (TNR) programme.

“This was possible thanks to our Animal Welfare Grant and the generous support of all our followers. The veterinary care bills alone came in at €85,000. This is only a tiny portion of our work, and we are always very grateful for any donations received to help the animals who need us most. We want to say a huge thank you to Gary for taking on this marathon for the animals. He is a great supporter of Roscommon SPCA”. Roscommon RSPCA wants to thank the kind race organisers for allowing them to fund-raise on race day.

All vehicles are serviced and tested and have a 6 month warranty

Kevin Finnerty (Junior) from Castlecoote met Roscommon manager Davy Burke at Hyde Park recently.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life

...

Silver(ware) lining: Why these are heady days for Creggs rugby

Our man Frank on exciting times at Creggs RFC; A 66-year-old jockey is first past the post… and celebrating the first anniversary of our Ukrainian friends arriving in Donamon…

It’s a very wet Monday morning, and I am writing this piece while waiting on my wife Carol, who has an appointment in the old Regional Hospital in Galway.

I am not a genius when it comes to us-

ing modern technology, and so I have no laptop! Instead, every week I write these musings on my mobile phone. This means I can do it anywhere (as long as I have credit).

As I wait, I am thinking about the heady days (and nights) that we are having out here in Creggs Rugby Club. A couple of weeks ago, our first team won the final of the Connacht Junior League and brought a cup back to the village for the first time in almost 30 years.

And just like the buses that arrive in twos, after an interminable wait, two of them come together, with our second team doing exactly the same thing

by bringing their league cup back to Creggs last Sunday. They too had waited close to 30 years for silverware and, similar to two weeks ago, we celebrated in fitting style.

Captain Brian Cody has been playing (from underage up) for fifteen years by now, and it was a huge delight to see him lift the cup. Funnily enough, there were two Fahy brothers from Tulsk, Regan and Callum, on the team as well; back in 1987, their grand-uncle, the great Tulsk and Roscommon midfielder Gerry Beirne, won a Junior League medal with Creggs. In my very short intercounty football career (about four months), I had got

to know Gerry fairly well. He was a great friend of our own Marky Fitzmaurice, and it was Marky’s influence that persuaded him to line out in the maroon and white of Creggs. The fact that Tulsk and Creggs both favour the maroon and white may have been a deciding factor as well!

Both Gerry and Marky passed away at relatively young ages, but both had a big impact on Creggs, Marky as a fantastic footballer, and Gerry as a top quality rugby player. And so it was a great thrill for me on Sunday evening to meet Gerry’s sister Eileen, and she was delighted to have her two grandsons keeping up the tradition of hav-

Jockey Liam (66) back in winner’s enclosure!

Of all the jobs in sport, one of the most demanding has to be that of a jump jockey. The training regime and diet requirements are undoubtedly very strict. Obviously everyone is different, but regular exercise and paying great attention to your daily food intake plays a huge part in keeping a jockey at the proper weight. In the old days, jockeys used to spend hours on end in saunas in an effort to keep surplus weight off, but nowadays there is much more emphasis on regular dieting and exercise to keep a jockey fit and well. It is reckoned that a jockey’s heart rate can go to more than 190 beats a minute during a race – compared to a normal resting rate of 60 to 100 beats.

And so you might make the assumption that all jockeys must be young, fit men or women – but that’s where you would be wrong. The name Liam Burke might not mean much to you today, but on Sunday last, at the pension age of 66, he ended a 35-year wait for a winner when he rode Teuchters Glory to victory in the Bumper in Limerick. He only took out an amateur licence again two years ago, and after having two new knee replacements, he became the oldest winning rider in Ireland for 100 years. The previous record was set by 71-year-old Harry Beasley, and while you would think it might be safe enough, Liam Burke says

he has no intention of retiring. Who knows? He might well ride another winner in six years’ time.

For the moment, as you moan and groan about your aches and pains, and complain about your advancing age, think of the Cork man who didn’t let age or knee problems stop him and got back in the saddle again. As he says himself, “They all thought I was nuts, but you have to be to do this job”. Well done Liam, you are an example and an inspiration to all pensioners! I wonder would my fifteen stone-plus self be a little bit be too heavy to get a ride in the National? I might give Willie Mullins a ring!

ing a Tulsk representation on a winning Creggs rugby team.

There is another uplifting story from the seconds’ win. Almost exactly a year ago, a member of the panel was facing into a term of chemotherapy. On Sunday, the same lad collected a winner’s medal. If anything is a triumph over adversity, his story is.

But the almost impossible rags-toriches revival for Creggs Rugby Club may not be over yet, because in two weeks’ time Brian Diffley will lead the first team into the Junior Cup final against Westport. Should they manage to win that one, it would mean an unprecedented treble for the club.

‘Better Together’ event in Donamon this Saturday

My good friend Mary Kelly has asked me to tell you about a big ‘Better Together’ community commemoration that’s taking place this Saturday, 18th of March in Donamon Castle between 1 pm and 4 pm to commemorate the anniversary of the arrival of the Ukrainians to Donamon.

Mary tells me there is a list of activities as long as your arms taking place on the day, including facepainting, Ukrainian music, ice cream van, arts and crafts, and loads more, so everyone is invited to visit Donamon on Saturday afternoon to show our solidarity with our Ukrainian visitors and welcome them to our area. Enjoy the day if you can make it.

And finally…

For many years, bingo was one of the great social activities, particularly in rural Ireland.

I can still remember hearing about my Aunt Bridie and loads of other ladies hopping on buses a few nights a week and heading off to the bingo. Apparently it was a great night out, and they thoroughly enjoyed the banter, the craic, and the excitement of an odd win or two.

Then, three years ago, the pandemic hit, and everything, including most of the bingo nights, ground to a halt. The good news is that it is back bigger and better than ever, and out here in Creggs it’s proving more and more popular.

Olivia Harris tells me that at 8 pm on Friday, the 24th of March there is another great Bingo Night taking place in the National School Hall, with loads of prizes up for grabs including a jackpot of €500 (which was won the last night) and a raffle, also with loads of prizes. A double book is €15, a single one is €10 and (this bit was missing) flyers are, I think, €2. Proceeds are going to the Creggs school, but Mike Grogan’s Arctic Dog Sled Challenge for Autism Assistance Dogs will also benefit from your support. So don’t forget to come along to the school in Creggs on March 24th – even if you don’t win, you can have a chat with your neighbours, drink a hot cuppa, and enjoy a nice relaxing night out. That’s if you don’t have to try to fill a double book!

Liam Burke rode Teuchters Glory to victory in the Bumper in Limerick

Save ‘great cultural and heritage asset’ OPPOSITION TO REZONING OF EDENVILLE HOUSE

< PAUL HEALY

The suggestion that the landmark Edenville House/Black’s House in Roscommon town could be rezoned for housing is attracting strong opposition.

Cllr. Orla Leyden has already expressed her “great concern” at any move to change the zoning, while Roscommon Town Team has this week also gone public on its opposition to any such proposal.

Edenville House, in Lisnamult, is a protected structure which dates from 1702, when it was built as a Cavalry Barracks.

Cllr. Leyden says Roscommon County Council has asked Roscommon Municipal District councillors to consider a change of zoning from Community and Education to Housing so that an approved housing body can develop housing in Edenville House and on the general site, through a material contravention of the Town Plan.

Cllr. Leyden said she is “greatly concerned” by Roscommon County Council’s suggestion to change the zoning “without public consultation”. She described Edenville House as “a rich cultural and heritage asset” and says the existing proposal by Roscommon Town Team that it be developed as a visitor attraction is a much better idea.

Cllr. Leyden noted that the Roscommon Town Plan 2023-2029 went out for Pre-draft Public consultation with an Issues Paper in summer 2022 and the draft plan is due out on public consultation in spring 2023.

She stressed that in the interest of good planning and democratic decision-making it is vital that the pub-

lic, in the first instance, know when a change to zoning is being mooted – and secondly that they have the opportunity to make submissions on any proposed change.

“Good planning involves full open and transparent consultation. It is not rushed. Decisions cannot be allowed to be made by a few people behind closed doors. Zoning decisions in our town that affect the community must be informed by that community”.

Cllr. Leyden said she will categorically oppose any proposal to remove the current zoning status, adding that

housing needs to be developed on lands zoned for housing.

The councillor said that what is required at Edenville House and grounds is a project that will match its Community and Education zoning. Cllr. Leyden added that Roscommon County Council are fully aware of a proposal of Roscommon Town Team to develop a project at Edenville House that is in keeping with its current zoning.

“Edenville House offers a fantastic opportunity to develop a visitor attraction, much-needed community space for a growing town, craft development

space, circular economy employment and potentially the development of a regional Rediscovery Centre for the North-West. This would not only generate employment in the circular economy but also create jobs in the tourism sector and create a new visitor experience in the county town”.

Cllr. Leyden said that Roscommon Town Team are awaiting the next round of LEADER funding to apply for funding for a Feasibility Study for the project which if granted “would include full public consultation to ensure the best outcomes for the community”.

Town Team expresses concern, reiterates alternative plan

Roscommon Town Team has expressed its “concern and disappointment” regarding the recent suggestion by Roscommon County Council to change the zoning of Edenville House/Black’s House and grounds from Community and Education.

In a statement issued to the Roscommon People, the Town Team said that for the last number of years it has led an active working group with members of the wider community, dedicated to developing the community and education potential of Edenville House.

The group submitted a proposal to Roscommon County Council in 2022, outlining their vision for the site, which includes a regional centre of excellence for the circular economy, sustainable development, local heritage, and crafts. The centre would serve the local community through community and education activities and be an attraction for visitors to the town.

The proposed plan has received support from local residents and organisations and now requires progression to the next stage to highlight feasibility and economic potential.

Roscommon Town Team and the Edenville House working group members met with local elected representatives councillors Orla Leyden, Kathleen Shanagher, Paschal Fitzmaurice, Tony Waldron, and Marty McDermott, on Wednesday, March 8th, to express their deep concern about any rezoning proposal involving Edenville House. The group are opposed to rezoning the site for housing on the basis that it is not a suitable location for a social housing development, and the community and education potential needs to be realised.

Roscommon Town Team said: “Edenville House is a heritage site unique to Roscommon Town with important historical significance. It is a site that requires well planned and sensitive renovation to maintain and protect the heritage features. This building and grounds are a huge asset to Roscommon town and the proposal by the Edenville working group offers a future that incorporates a muchneeded community space for locals”.

The Town Team said that the ambitious sustainable development vision proposed will “attract enterprise and visitors to our growing town”.

An aerial view of Edenville House and grounds, as it is today. Photo courtesy of Damien Hogan

This old photograph shows Edenville House when it was lived in by the Black family. Edenville/Black’s House was purchased by Roscommon County Council in 1990 by then County Manager Donal Connolly.

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

It’s time we removed the degrading wording contained in Article 41.2

From the moment I became aware of the wording of our Constitution’s (Bunreacht na hÉireann) Article 41.2 (I was 12 years old at the time), I believed it to be loaded with inflammatory, chauvinistic, bigoted, and sexist nonsense. That was my opinion then, and it remains my opinion today. Therefore, I’m glad that before the year is out, a referendum will be held to make changes to this Article’s wording.

Let me explain! In my opinion, Article 41.2, which decrees that ‘by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved’, not only discriminates against women, it’s also reductionist and highly prejudiced. In addition, the fact that

it proclaims ‘that State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home’ makes it downright degrading and dehumanising to women.

Don’t get me wrong, my disgust at this Article’s wording is not based primarily on the fact that one of my least favourite historic characters, Éamon de Valera, climbed down from his high horse long enough to personally supervise the drafting of this legal document; because he did have help. Dev’s co-conspirators (my words) were, I believe, the then president of the Supreme Court and the High Court, and Archbishop

of

Dublin John Charles McQuaid – all men!

Oh there were three female TDs present in the Dáil during the formulation of our Constitution, but history tells us they never contributed to this fundamental and important discussion regarding how Ireland, its citizens, and in particular how Irish women, should be ‘governed’. Yep, they kept their mouths shut! This was a decision that I believe – in some small way – led to the discriminatory impact and to the systematic attempt by Dev and his government (via Article 41.2) to limit the rights and to suppress the lives of us, and of our female ancestors for nearly 90 years.

Mind you, given the repressive and patriarchal environment in

which these female TDs ‘existed’, I imagine they were quite possibly afraid of any backlash from the Long Fella, who, although credited with ‘writing’ a Constitution stripping them of their rights, clearly lacked the legal skills to do so. However, he did have enough cop-on to devise what I’d call a set of archaic notions to ratify a Constitution, and in particular, an Article that served to relegate women to permanent inferiority. Indeed, as many aspects of Dev’s warped and sexist ideology still impacts on women’s lives today (the gender pay gap to mention just one), I have to ask, is it any wonder people either loved him or loathed him? For the record, my feelings for Dev fall into the latter category – and not just because

RWN: Empowering women and saving the environment!

I’m all about Girl Power this week readers, therefore I’d like to say a big thank you to the lovely ladies of the Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) who invited myself and my colleagues to drop into their innovative and creative CycleUp event, which they hosted at the Riverside Centre, Athleague.

This friendly and welcoming group of local women (including fellow Dub, the lovely Philomena Hourigan) are providing an important environmental and social enterprise scheme specifically based on addressing the important issue of textile waste.

The ladies, who won a STAR

Award in 2021 for their Sustainable Development through Education project, are a highly impressive bunch. They welcomed us with tea and biscuits, sending us on our way with some beautiful native wildflower seed bombs which I’ll plant in memory of my infant grandson, our beautiful little angel Danny (RIP), born sleeping before Christmas. If the day ever comes when I feel capable of getting through an entire column without crying, I’ll tell you all about baby Danny… but I digress.

Not only are the Roscommon Women’s Network championing and empowering the ladies in their

communities, they’re also offering and delivering free training, education, and support to them – in particular, and importantly to those who may feel marginalised, all provided in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

So readers, next time you’re searching for an item for your home or a gift for your loved one, please consider dropping in and supporting these wonderful women. Not only will you source a uniquely designed and crafted gift, you’ll also learn a thing or two about the impact of textile waste on our environment. For more information, email info@ rwn.ie.

his doctrine and his so-called principles objectified women, obstructing our rights, but also because I believe he betrayed my hero Michael Collins, the greatest Irish man that ever lived!

The decision to hold a referendum to remove the reference to ‘a woman’s place’ being ‘in the home’ and replacing it with non-discriminatory and gender-neutral terminology is long overdue. In its current state, the outdated and backward wording of Article 41.2 not only unjustly serves to prioritise the rights of a certain gender, thus allowing too much power to fall into too few hands, it also creates a division between Irish citizens.

As far as this proud Irish woman is concerned, because of this

Article, our country has, for way too long, been shrouded in patriarchal and sexist views. Therefore ladies, if we truly value our equality, we should grab this November referendum – the wording of which won’t be known until June – with both hands as an ideal opportunity to once and for all, enshrine our equality in society. Our day has come to not just honour ourselves, but to also thank and show our esteem and salute those 300 amazing, courageous women whose heroic and vital roles fighting in the 1916 Rising (many of whom fought on the frontline) were disgustingly downplayed by our Constitution’s architect, Éamon De Valera. How dare he try to airbrush them out of our history!

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig daoibh!

Even though I was very disappointed at Dublin actor Barry Keoghan’s failure to win the Oscar (because I believe, hand on heart, that he richly deserved it – yep he was robbed), I’m delighted we did at least get to enjoy some success, bagging what are two historic wins. Comhghairdeas to An Irish Goodbye’s Ross White and Tom Berkeley, who won Best Live Action Short, and to Richard Baneham for taking what was his second visual-effects Oscar for his work on Avatar: The Way of Water.

I don’t wish to be a bad influence, but perhaps we should all take a day off from observing Lent (well those who are observing it), and let our hair down this St Patrick’s weekend by raising a glass of our favourite tipple to the fourteen nominees who travelled to LA last week! The entire contingent did both themselves and our little country proud – and they certainly didn’t deserve to be given, what I believe to be, the cold shoulder by those academy snobs; then again I’m biased, believing we should have walked away with more awards!

Still in St Patrick’s Day in mode folks, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a happy bank holiday festival weekend; enjoy the many parades being held across our beautiful county of Roscommon. Stay safe, drown the bit of shamrock, and celebrate all that makes us Irish!

Tom Berkeley and his co-director pal Ross White, winners of Best Short Film (Live Action) award for ‘An Irish Goodbye’

Pictured at Roscommon Women’s Network’s recent Cycle Up Event were members Bridie Regan and Kitty Phelan, visitors Kara Reynolds and Cora Murphy, member Philomena Hourigan, visitor Miriam Kerins, and manager Nora Fahy.

Council reverses gender imbalance to mark International Women’s Day

< DAN DOONER

To mark International Women’s Day (Wednesday, March 1st) the Regional Women’s Caucus together with Roscommon Women’s Network, See Her Elected and members of both Roscommon County Council and Comhairle na nÓg came together to reverse the gender imbalance within local politics.

As part of what was described as “a momentous day” at Áras an Chontae, 14 women and four men sat in the chamber for an event that was overseen by honorary Cathaoirleach for the day and event organiser Cllr. Emer Kelly.

The event was aimed at highlighting the need for more female representation in politics. The event heard that just 25.5 per cent of county councillors across Ireland are women.

Those in attendance, including the four local female councillors and Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan, heard from a number of female speakers from various different backgrounds.

Cllr. Emer Kelly described the event as “historic” and part of a wider

campaign to highlight the current male-dominated power balance in local politics.

Cllr Kelly said that while the percentage of

female councillors in Roscommon had increased to 22 per cent since the last local elections in 2019, there was still progress to be made.

Council Chief Executive Shane Tiernan, whose executive is dominated by female members, said women play a pivotal role in the local authority.

Shock and sadness at sudden passing of Liam Kearns

It was with a sense of great shock and sadness that the GAA world heard of the sudden death of Offaly senior football manager Liam Kearns on Sunday last.

I first met the Tralee native when he was manager of the Limerick footballers. I had numerous dealings with him over the years, both professionally and privately. He was always a lovely man to meet. Liam loved the GAA and particularly coaching and managing players.

Also involved with Laois and Tipperary over the years, he was assistant manager to John Evans in Roscommon from 2012 to 2015.

Liam’s connections with Roscommon football continued when he was appointed manager of Clann na nGael in 2020 and during that time Liam was a permanent fixture on the sidelines here in the county.

Paying tribute this week, Clann na nGael said: “Liam made an extremely positive impact on our club and was very well regarded by everyone associated with Clann na nGael”.

Liam was a deep thinker on coaching and about strength and conditioning and all other aspects of the game and he was a very popular man with players. He loved working with young players and developing them into the senior ranks.

His sudden passing is a huge shock to everyone who knew him. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Angela, daughters Rachel and Laura, and all his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Praising the four female elected members of Roscommon County Council, Mr Tiernan also paid tribute to past members who helped lead the

way for local women in politics.

“The county still has a journey to go in order to allow women to play a role,” he said before

adding that Roscommon County Council was fully supportive of women who had ambition to become more active in politics as well as in the more traditional male roles within the local authority.

Cllr Orla Leyden said last Wednesday (1st) was a day to celebrate but also “a day to challenge the status quo” and to “challenge what isn’t working” in terms of gender balance.

Cllr Valerie Byrne said it was important to celebrate how far women had come but to also remember there was still a long way to go.

Cllr Kathleen Shanagher paid tribute to the senior executive and highlighted some of the challenges faced by women including the effort and organisation required by working mothers to attend the event.

The meeting also heard from Rita Kearney and members of Roscommon Women’s Network, members of Comhairle na nÓg, Mairead O’Shea of ‘See Her Elected’, and elected male members including Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tom Crosby.

The late Liam Kearns pictured in his role as Clann na nGael manager here in Roscommon on county final day on Sunday, 31st of October 2021. Photo: Mick McCormack

Pictured is Roscommon town native Sean Donohoe, who recently raised funds for the people of Ukraine by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. Based in Derby in the UK, Sean is a native of Hawthorne Drive in Roscommon town. Sean enjoyed taking on this challenge while also – thanks to the generous support of the public – raising funds to help address the plight of victims of the invasion of Ukraine.

< SEAMUS DUKE

Members of Roscommon County Council, members of the executive and invited guests pictured during the recent celebration of International Women’s Day in Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin

The winner of this year’s Roscommon County Enterprise Award is Monksland-based bridal company ‘Lark Bridal’. The winner took the top prize of €2,000 at last week’s awards ceremony in the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone.

The awards were held in conjunction with National Enterprise Week, during which a wide range of business and enterprise events were held throughout the country,

attracting considerable interest from local businesses.

Lark Bridal will now represent the county at the 23rd National Enterprise Awards at the Mansion House in Dublin on June 1st. The company will be hoping to emulate the fortunes of Lidan Designs who won the National Enterprise Future Focus Award in 2021 and Boyle-based Studio Meala who won the West Regional Award last year.

Lark Bridal exports to 32 counties with customers in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, exporting to over a thousand clients. The company has been in business for the past eight years.

In running the company, Ruth Larkin is assisted by her business partner and husband Jason. Lark Bridal Ltd are the distributors of the largest bridal brands Maggie Sottero Designs and of the largest bridesmaids brand,

the Dessy Group. They distribute B2B (business to business) exclusively to retailers.

Speaking at the awards, Ruth said: “This award from LEO is a fantastic acknowledgement of all that we do. After Covid-19, we have returned to growth and the company continues to excel”. The day after the awards, Ruth and Jason were setting off for a series of international shows, trade shows and private events

in Amsterdam, London, Essen and Milan. All of the award winners were presented with a specially commissioned trophy and a hamper of goods containing locally sourced produce from Roscommon LEO clients, featuring items from Black Donkey Brewing, Roscommon Chocolates, DeDanu Cosmetics, Rita Oates Gift Cards, Chef Sham’s sauces from Cortober and Sandra’s Creative Candles.

Lark Bridal wins County Enterprise Award Council chief executive commends role of LEO

Underlining the importance of business and enterprise and the role of the county’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO), Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan, paid tribute to the award winners at last week’s County Enterprise Awards in the Hodson Bay Hotel.

“Business is everything in Roscommon. Without it, we simply don’t have jobs. It’s been a difficult time for business with the different challenges that are out there, what with inflation, rising energy costs and the pandemic,” he said.

“LEO continues to provide direct supports to local businesses. We have our new Food Hub in Castlerea where five new production units are set to open. We also have our new Enterprise space in Boyle on the site of the former Royal Hotel”.

The Council Chief Executive said a meeting had taken place between the local authority and the IDA to discuss the future of the Royal Hotel site.

“Despite operating in a difficult business environment, the level of entrepreneurship in Roscommon has never been higher. The businesses being honoured here epitomise the qualities of innovation, resilience, creativity and ambition that are necessary to create employment and wealth for our communities across the county,” he said.

“These are exciting times for business and enterprise in our county. Later this year our Monksland Innovation Hub ‘landing space’ will be complete. Just last week, we awarded our contract to the new service provider there”.

Mr Tiernan said LEO continues to offer support for local businesses with significant funding awarded to 25 companies last year and a further 863 clients receiving support. He paid tribute to everyone who works in LEO.

Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon, who presented the awards along with Mr. Tiernan, said the County Enterprise Awards were one of the local authority’s headline events.

“Small businesses generate considerable local employment. The challenges of the pandemic and the economy are well known. But it’s a great tribute to our businesses, particularly those being honoured today, who continue to grow. They have shown ambition and creativity to make things happen,” he commented. Speaking on behalf of LEO, Enda

to the

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Local Enterprise Awards at Hodson Bay Hotel were Jason and Ruth Larkin (Roscommon County Enterprise Overall Winner).

Cannon paid tribute

award winners and all of the businesses in the county who have availed of LEO’s many services in the past twelve months.

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Local Enterprise Awards at Hodson Bay Hotel were (back row, from left to right): Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan, Gillian McGarry, Roscommon Local Enterprise Office, Aileen Clifford, Roscommon Local Enterprise Office, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Laurence Fallon, Eilis Mullooly, Roscommon Local Enterprise Office, and Enda Cannon, Roscommon Local Enterprise Office. Front row, from left to right: Kieran Supple, Maria Carton, Ruth Larkin, Lydia Clayton, and Mark Lohan. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

at Hodson Bay Hotel were (from

to

Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan, Ambition & Growth Award Winner Mark Lohan, and Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Laurence Fallon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

recent Roscommon Local Enterprise Awards at Hodson Bay Hotel were (from

to right): Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Laurence Fallon, Roscommon County Enterprise Overall Winner Ruth Larkin, and Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Now in their 24th year, this year’s Roscommon County Enterprise Awards honoured a wide range of small to medium sized businesses which are flourishing in the county at present.

The winner of the Start-up Award was 27-year-old Athleague woman Lydia Clayton, who is a Goldsmith who creates exquisitely designed and crafted jewellery from her studios. A graduate

Free sustainability masterclass

of the National College of Arts and Design, Lydia did a portfolio course with Stephanie Cullen.

The Digital Journey Award winner was Castlecoote Style Advisor Maria Carton. She set up her business in 2019 and provides services in wardrobe makeovers, personal shopping and fashion masterclasses. She also collaborates with the Department of Education in

Local businesses are invited to join the Climate Ready Academy for a free masterclass with global sustainablity expert Owen Gaffney on Thursday, March 23rd

The masterclass will address how local Roscommon businesses can positively impact the environment and sustainability targets while maintaining growth.

For more information or to register for the event, go to https://www.climatereadyacademy. ie/masterclasses.

Local businesses warned about St Patrick’s weekend security

Roscommon businesses have been warned that security breaches can increase by up to 30 per cent over Bank Holidays prior to St Patrick’s Day celebrations this weekend.

Security specialists Netwatch say they have seen a 16 per cent increase in attempted security breaches so far this year and anticipate this figure to double this weekend.

Industries where materials and assets on-site are of high value will be of particular interest to criminals and Netwatch is urging these businesses to be aware of the potential risks to their premises when closed.

The most common timings for attempted

local schools in Roscommon and East Galway on sustainable fashion.

Receiving her award from the LeasCathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon, Maria said it was “an honour” to be recognised.

There was also recognition for Sheegorey, Boyle-based company Reap Interactive, who won the Innovation

Bay Hotel

Local Enterprise Awards

Gillian McGarry, Roscommon Local Enterprise Office, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan, Aileen Clifford, Roscommon Local Enterprise Office, Enda Cannon, Roscommon Local Enterprise Office, and Eilis Mullooly, Roscommon Local Enterprise Office. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Variety of businesses honoured at 24th Local Enterprise Awards

Award who provide a high-tech solution Bovine Plus to farmers and participated in the ‘New Frontiers’ programme. The company is run by Kieran Supple from Boyle and his business partner Declan Molloy from Claremorris.

This year’s fourth award winner was Mark Lohan Fitted Furniture Ltd in the Ambition and Growth category. Currently employing 55 people, the

THE BUSINESS BRIEF(S)

intrusion on Netwatch clients’ sites are the hours between 6 pm and midnight, with over half of incidents taking place during this time.

“Each year St Patrick’s Day weekend sees a significant rise of criminal activity across our customers’ sites in Ireland as businesses close for a long weekend. Based on last year’s increase in attempted breaches on our clients’ sites, we urge businesses to be on high alert this St. Patrick’s Day weekend,” said Colin Hayes, Managing Director at Netwatch Ireland and UK.

NBI says almost 7,000 premises ready to connect

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company rolling out the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan, has announced this week that almost 7,000 Roscommon premises are now ready to connect to the NBI network.

Under the National Broadband Plan, County Roscommon is expecte to see an investment of €76 million in the new network.

There are now 6,927 premises in the county ready to order high-speed broadband with 1,619 already connected to the network. NBI is calling on people in Roscommon to visit nbi.ie/map/ to see if their premises is ready to connect.

Athlone Business Watch Scheme launch

An Garda Síochána and Athlone Chamber of Commerce are set to launch a new Business Watch Scheme on March 24th in a bid to tackle rising crime in the town.

The Business Watch Scheme is a crime prevention programme designed and implemented around the country by An Garda Síochána and follows the same principles as the Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Speaking ahead of the launch, the Chamber

business has been operational for the past 20 years, with a flourishing market for its fitted kitchens in Ireland and Britain.

Located on the Racecourse Road in Roscommon town, Mark says the key to his business’s success has been “hard work and a highly skilled staff”. All involved paid tribute to LEO for the great support received.

President Alan Shaw called on local businesses to take part in the scheme.

“Working together, we can reduce crime in our busness community, especially in the areas of shoplifting and in the circulation of counterfeit notes. The scheme is easy and free to join so we are very hopeful that the scheme will experience a high level of uptake,” he said.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Tommy Hogan has confirmed those interested should contact the Gardaí at westmeath.crimeprevention@ garda.ie with ‘Athlone Business Watch Scheme in the subject line and business details inlcuding contact details and key holder’s name in the main body.

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Local Enterprise Awards at Hodson Bay Hotel were (from left to right): Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Laurence Fallon, Start Up Award Winner Lydia Clayton, and Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Local Enterprise Awards at Hodson Bay Hotel were (from left to right): Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan, Digital Journey Award Winner Maria Carton, and Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Laurence Fallon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Local Enterprise Awards at Hodson Bay Hotel were (from left to right): Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Laurence Fallon, Innovation Award Winner Kieran Supple, and Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Pictured at the recent Roscommon Local Enterprise Awards

left

right):

Pictured at the

left

Pictured at the recent Roscommon

at Hodson

were (from left to right):

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon Drama Group to perform ‘Move Over Mrs Markham’

The Roscommon Drama Group take to the stage next Thursday night (23rd) for three nights with a production of ‘Move Over Mrs Markham’ written by Ray Cooney and John Chapman.

Children’s book publisher Philip Markham and his wife Joanna are going out to dinner, leaving their apartment empty. Three couples hope to make best use of the apartment for their own ‘nefarious purposes’.

The play, a farce, includes lots of bed-hopping, and a variety of unscrupulous morals and mistaken identities – providing us with an evening of fun and laughter.

Under the direction of Mary Cox, and featuring a cast of nine, Roscommon Drama Group guarantees you a very enjoyable evening of theatre. The production will run at Roscommon Arts Centre on Thursday 23rd, Friday 24th and Saturday 25th of March at 8 pm nightly. Tickets are €15 and booking is now open. You can book by calling the Roscommon Arts Centre on 090 6625824 or you can book your tickets online at https://roscommonartscentre.ie/event/move-over-mrs-markham-roscommondrama-group/

A celebration of Fr Ted with Joe Rooney this weekend

Roscommon Arts Centre has a comedic treat in store this St. Patrick’s weekend. Treat yourself this long weekend and join in the celebration of one of the greatest sitcoms ever made, as the arts centre welcomes renowned stand-up Joe Rooney for a night of all things Father Ted on Saturday, March 18th at 8 pm.

Peadar honoured…

Congratulations to Peadar Ó Breandúin, Cathaoirleach, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Ros Comáin as ucht an onóir a bhronnadh air le déanaí.

Peadar, who has served as Chairperson for over 12 years, was recently presented with a special certificate and medal to acknowledge his enormous contribution to Comhaltas. The presentation was made in a packed hall in Clooneycolgan, during an Oíche Gaelach on Friday last by long-time Comhaltas veteran Liam Ó Cuinneagáin.

Joe featured as the rebellious Father Damo in the classic Father Ted episode ‘The Old Grey Whistle Theft’, leading Dougal astray with his earring, cigarette smoking and bad-boy attitude.

Joe will host a screening of the episode, take you behind the scenes and set

Roscommon singer in iRadio’s Final Four!

gags, and a natural storyteller. Guitar in hand, Joe Rooney delights the room with his infectiously manic delivery”.

Irish Music Month is back for 2023, aiming to increase the amount of Irish music played on the radio during the month of March – and reward Irish artists. iRadio, along with 24 other stations across the country, have signed up to celebrate Irish musical talent this month, including Roscommon singer Erica Kate.

you a Craggy Island quiz – then prepare yourself for an all-inclusive ‘Lovely Girls Competition’: have you got the loveliest laugh, the loveliest walk, and can you make the loveliest sandwich?

Ardal O’Hanlon AKA Fr. Dougal, says of Joe: “He is a purveyor of choice

There will also be a dancing priests’ competition, plus appearances from a nursery rhyme-singing Ziggy Stardust, Nirvana, Johnny Cash and many more – and the evening wouldn’t be complete without a singalong to ‘My Lovely Horse’!

Come and meet Joe and immerse yourself in the very silly delights of Father Ted. Ah, go on… you will! Tickets are €23 and are available now from box office on 090-6625824 and from www.roscommonartscentre.ie.

Music Generation anniversary celebrations

The initiative will see over €105,000 being paid directly to artists during the month of March. Additionally, the campaign will see artists benefit from on-air talent searches, free advertising and more airplay.

iRadio recently put out the call for Irish Music Month, and were blown away by the amount of talented artists that got in touch. They whittled it down to four acts. Roscommon singer Erica Kate was one of those acts. You can hear all the songs being highlighted and vote on your favourite now at iRadio.ie/IrishMusicMonth. The winner will be dubbed the iRadio Local Hero. Their entry will then be sent onto the national judges.

The overall winner from the national final will win €5,000 in prize-money and €5,000 in musical equipment. They will also receive a single release with Rubyworks Record Label and a chance to perform at a national event, broadcast across all 25 stations.

Special St Patrick’s Day programmes on RosFM

The winner of the latest RosFM 50-50 draw was David Lavin from Ballaghaderreen who won €150. The next draw will be on Friday, March 24th (no draw on St. Patrick’s Day) and our thanks to everyone who is supporting the draw. It’s just €2 per envelope or three for €5.

Meanwhile, there will be a number of special programmes on RosFM on St. Patrick’s Day, including an ‘All Irish Show’ with Padraig Devaney between 3 pm and 4 pm and a traditional Irish music show between 4 pm and 5 pm with Therese Hanley.

A presentation of certificates to everyone who completed our integration/training programme over November, December and January will be made this week. The recipients hail from Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine. A number of the Ukrainians who completed the course are now contributing to RosFM on a weekly basis.

A special programme made by Therese Hanley at Gaelscoil de hÍde last week can now be heard on the station website rosfm.ie. The programme features song, poetry and storytelling ‘As Gaelige’. Our thanks to the teachers and pupils at Gaelscoil de hÍde for their cooperation.

Pictured is Roscommon singer Erica Kate, who has been selected as one of iRadio’s final four in the Irish Music month initiative.

Members of the Roscommon Drama Group cast for their production of Move Over Mrs. Markham: back row: John Mitchell, Blathin Cox, Fiona Walsh, Tom Holian, Aidan Flanagan. Front row: Joanne Hone, Steve Gregory, Bernie Maher, Mairead Nally.

Joe Rooney

Students Andrii Ardiukh, Veronika Moros, Yuliia Schumyhora, Yevhen Shevehenko and Vadym Shlychkov pictured enjoying the recent celebrations to mark 10 years of the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) at their Roscommon headquarters. Pic: Brian Farrell

GOING OUT

To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival Closing Night at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night were Cadhla and Patrick McCrann and Ann Burke. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival Closing Night at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night were Colm and Sandra Connolly.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival Closing Night at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night were Tony and Liz Brennan.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival Closing Night at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night were Marie McCrann and Ríona McGuinness. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival Closing Night at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night were Jim and Andrea McCausland. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival Closing Night at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night were Bridie, Peter and Eileen Mahon.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival Closing Night at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night were Hugh Baxter and Padraig Cronin. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival Closing Night at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night were Anne Marie Beirne and Larry Brennan. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival Closing Night at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night were Stephanie Egan and Dermot O’Toole.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival Closing Night at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night were John and Aoife Connolly. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

At

Curtain falls on superb Roscommon Drama Festival

(Confined) Award

The curtains were drawn on a very successful Roscommon Drama Festival on Saturday night last. On that occasion, the various winners were announced and presentation of awards was held.

It followed eight wonderful nights of entertainment in both the open and confined sections.

The chairperson of the committee, Mary Finn, described the festival as “a tremendous success” noting there had been “full houses on all nights”.

The festival, which continues to grow in strength from year to year, had welcomed the cream of Irish Amateur Drama Groups from all over Ireland.

Ms. Finn thanked all who contributed to the overall success of the event.

“I would like to thank Geoff O’Keeffe who hon-

oured us by opening our festival and giving us a wonderful start with his lyrical opening.

“Thanks to all the groups who participated in the festival and entertained us with such high quality productions”.

Ms. Finn also thanked the festival sponsors, as well as Roscommon County Council and the Arts Council, and the establishments that hosted nightly festival clubs.

She also thanked the staff of Roscommon Arts Centre, the local media for extensive coverage of the festival, and all the members of the Festival Committee for the enthusiastic, pleasant and efficient way they had undertaken the various tasks required. Finally, she thanked the audiences for their support of all the performing groups.

Mary then introduced the adjudicator, Anna Walker.

“Nobody can question the expertise, the attention to

detail, and the fairness with which you arrived at your conclusions”.

In her reply, Ms. Walker

complimented the committee and said that she had had a most enjoyable time at the festival.

At Roscommon Drama Festival: The Vincent Mahon Memorial Award & Scholarship was won by Kate Devereux (Kilmuckridge Drama Group). The award was sponsored by the Mahon family and making the presentation to Kate are Bridie, Ted and Eileen Mahon. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

At Roscommon Drama Festival: Best Supporting Actress (Open) award was won by Phil McGrath (Ballyduff Drama Group) for her role as Judith in The Welkin. The award was accepted by Bernie Maher (Festival committee member) on behalf of Phil, and presented by Larry Brennan of sponsors Down the Hatch. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

At Roscommon Drama Festival: The Perpetual Award was accepted by Bernie Maher (Festival committee member) on behalf of winners Ballyduff Drama Group for The Welkin. The award was presented by Joe Sheehy on behalf of sponsors Charlie O’Brien/Rosmed Pharmacy.

At Roscommon Drama Festival: Main Award (Confined) was presented to Anthony O’Connor of Kilmuckrage Drama Group (for Sive) by Marie McCrann (the award was sponsored by Marie and Pat McCrann).

At Roscommon Drama Festival: The Best Director Award (Confined) was won by Anthony O’Connor of Kilmuckridge Drama Group. The award was presented by John Finn of sponsors Finn Electrical. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

At Roscommon Drama Festival: The Best Technical Award was won by Ballyduff Drama Group. Roscommon Drama Festival committee member Bernie Maher accepts the award on behalf of the winners. Making the presentation is Joanne Martin of sponsors FBD Insurance. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon Drama Festival: Best Actor

was won by John Hearne (Kilmuckridge Drama Group) for his role as Mike Glavin in Sive. The award was presented by John Connolly on behalf of sponsors Eurona Brisknet. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

At Roscommon Drama Festival: Main Award (Open) was won by Ballyduff Drama Group for The Welkin. The award was presented by Canon Eugene McLoughlin (sponsor) and accepted on behalf of the winners by Bernie Maher, festival committee member.

At Roscommon Drama Festival: Best Supporting Actress (Confined) went to Margo Whelan (Kilmuckridge Drama Group) for her role as Mena in Sive. Presenting the award to Margo is Ekizabeta Camber, representing The Comfy Café (sponsors). Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

At Roscommon Drama Festival: Best Actress (Open) was accepted by Anne Murphy (Festival committee member) on behalf of Maura Clancy (Corofin Dramatic Society) who won for her role as Peggy in Stolen Child. The award was presented by Hugh Baxter of Cerena Consulting Ltd (sponsors). Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

At Roscommon Drama Festival: Best Director (Open) Award was won by Ger Canning of Ballyduff Drama Group and accepted on their behalf by Bernie Maher of Roscommon Drama Festival. Making the presentation was Jim McCausland on behalf of sponsors Casey’s Londis/Supermac’s. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Results of 2023 Roscommon Drama Festival

The Vincent Mahon Memorial Award: DLI Summer School Scholarship: Kate Devereux (Kilmuckridge Drama Group)

Pat Connaughton Memorial Award: A Magical Moment of Theatre: Anna Kilcoyne (Dalkey Players)

Adjudicator’s Award: Ray Leonard Players for their ground-breaking association with Claremorris Men’s Shed

Best Technical Award: The Welkin (Ballyduff Drama Group)

Best Stage Setting: The Welkin (Ballyduff Drama Group)

Best Supporting Actress Confined: Margo Whelan as Mena Glavin (Kilmuckridge Drama Group)

Best Supporting Actor Confined: Tim Oates as Git in The Kings of the Kilburn High Road (The Ray Leonard Players)

Best Actress Confined: Anna Flaherty as Catherine in Proof (Glenamaddy Players)

Best Actor Confined: John Hearne as Mike Glavin in Sive (Kilmuckridge Drama Group)

Best Supporting Actress Open: Phil McGrath as Judith in the Welkin (Ballyduff Drama Group)

At Roscommon Drama Festival: Best Actor (Open) was won by Billy Canning (Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group) for his role as Maurice in The Night Alive. Emma Fitzmaurice is pictured making the presentation on behalf of sponsor Brigeen and Gerry Fitzmaurice to a representative of Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

At Roscommon Drama Festival: Best Supporting Actor (Confined) winner was Tim Oates (The Ray Leonard Players) for his role as Git in Kings of the Kilburn High Road. The award was accepted on Tim’s behalf by Anne Fahey, and presented by Joe Nally, Festival committee member, on behalf of sponsors McGuinness’ Total Healthcare Pharmacy. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

At Roscommon Drama Festival: The Best Supporting Actor (Open) was won by Colm Linnane (Corofin Drama Society) for his role as Mick in Stolen Child. The award was accepted by Anne Murphy (Roscommon Drama Festival) on behalf of Colm and presented by Marie Conroy of sponsors Mahon Sweeney Solicitors. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Best Supporting Actor Open: Colm Linnane as Mick in Stolen Child (Corofin Drama Group)

Best Actress Open: Maura Clancy as Peggy in Stolen Child (Corofin Drama Group)

Best Actor Open: Billy Canning as Maurice in The Night Alive (Bunclody/ Kilmyshall Drama Group)

Best Director Confined: Anthony O’Connor, Sive (Kilmuckridge Drama Group)

Best Director Open: Ger Canning, the Welkin (Ballyduff Drama Group)

Main Award Confined

3rd – The Kings of the Kilburn High

(The Ray Leonard Players)

2nd – Proof (Glenamaddy Players)

1st – Sive (Kilmuckridge Drama Group)

Main Award Open

3rd – Stolen Child (Corofin Drama Group)

2nd – By the Bog of Cats (Dalkey Players)

At Roscommon Drama Festival: Best Stage Setting Award was won by Ballyduff Drama Group. Accepting the award on their behalf is Bernie Maher (Roscommon Drama Festival committee member) and making the presentation is Cadhla McCrann on behalf of sponsor Tony McCrann. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

At Roscommon Drama Festival: The Pat Connaughton Memorial Award for ‘A magical moment in Theatre’ was won by Anna Kilcoyne of Dalkey Players. Accepting it on her behalf is Emma Jane Nulty, and making the presentation is Mary Fallon on behalf of award sponsors Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

At Roscommon Drama Festival: The Adjudicator’s Award was presented to Anne Fahey who accepted on behalf of The Ray Leonard Players and Claremorris Men’s Shed. Making the presentation was Kathleen Shanagher of sponsors Roscommon Lions Club. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

1st – The Welkin (Ballyduff Drama Group)

The Perpetual Award: The Welkin (Ballyduff Drama Group)

Road

At Roscommon Drama Festival: The Best Actress (Confined) Award was won by Anna Flaherty for her role as Catherine in Proof (by Glenamaddy Players). The award was accepted on her behalf by Marie Conneran and presented by Brigeen Fitzmaurice of Roscommon Drama Festival committee on behalf of sponsors, Timothy’s Londis.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Contact

Minister opens €8m National Liming Programme

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue yesterday (Wednesday) officially opened the National Liming Programme with funding of €8 million.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said: “Soil fertility is the foundation of a profitable and sustainable farm. As part of our response to the price increases in input costs, I

am delighted to launch this new €8 million National Liming Programme which will help offset part of the expense of using lime.

“Lime is an important component of achiev-

ing balanced soil health, improving nutrient use efficiency and thereby reducing the requirements of chemical fertilisers and contributing to both climate and water targets. By having a balanced soil pH, we will reduce the need for artificial fertilisers which is good for the environment and good for the farmer’s pocket”.

The National Liming Programme was an initiative secured by Minister McConalogue as part of Budget 2023 with the aim of assisting farmers to deal with input costs and help them reduce the need for artificial fertilisers.

Results from the Teagasc Soil Fertility Report in 2022 indicate that while soil fertility nationally has improved it is still estimated that up to 57 per cent of national soils require lime.

The Minister added:

“This is an innovative programme which will

provide a financial contribution to participating farmers of €16 per tonne of Calcium ground limestone/Magnesium ground limestone applied. Teagasc trial work shows that liming not only increases soil microbial activity but can also unlock soil phosphorous (P) and potassium).

“Research has also indicated that increasing soil pH to optimum levels leads to a significant reduction in Nitrous Oxide (N2O) emissions while simultaneously increasing grass and other crop yields. Reducing our fertiliser use by ensuring correct PH in our soils is positive both from a climate and water perspective, but also makes sound economic sense for farmers”.

Farmers wishing to apply for the Liming Programme should apply through www.agfood.ie by the closing date April 20th.

Built Heritage funding welcomed locally

Local public representatives have this week welcomed funding of €4.5 million under this year’s Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) for 556 projects across the country.

The funding was announced by Minister Malcolm Noonan and will see a number of Roscommon projects benefitting.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said the BHIS was one of two schemes run by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

in association with local authorities.

“The scheme assists owners of heritage structures – including those on the local authorities’ Record of Protected Structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas – to meet their obligations to care for their properties by providing match-funded grants of up to €15,000 for standard projects which are those not involving thatch,” he explained.

“The scheme is not limited to private dwellings; it also

provides assistance to a wide range of other important heritage structures.

“This year’s BHIS includes awards to historic landmarks such as Ballymoe Railway Station in Castlerea, the Bank of Ireland in Strokestown and Elphin, Mount Talbot Church in Athleague, Boyle Mill in Mocmoyne, SS Peter & Paul Church in Ballinasloe, Sacred Heart Parochial House and Telford of Dublin Historic Organ and the Church of Ireland in Boyle, among others”.

Also included in this year’s scheme is funding of €500,000 for conservation repairs to eligible historic thatched structures. Grants of up to €20,000 for thatched structures are available through the scheme. Galway County Council has received €115,000 for thatched structures and Roscommon County Council €6,984.

Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has also welcomed funding for projects in Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon.

“I want to commend Minister Noonan for his generous allocation to so many projects across the region,” he said.

“This funding represents a 12.5 per cent increase on last year’s funding and underlines this Government’s continuing commitment to protect and preserve our built environment, in line with the goals set out in Heritage Ireland 2030, the new national heritage plan, which was launched by the Minister last year”.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has announced the opening of the National Liming Programme 2023 with funding of €8 million.

Pictured at the recent Working for Rural Ireland event in the Abbey Hotel were Anthony Doolan and John Lally. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Tom Timothy and Bernie Kearney pictured at the recent Working for Rural Ireland event in the Abbey Hotel. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Two Roscommon students awarded scholarships through BNM programme

Following the launch of Bord na Móna’s ‘Pathways to the Future’ programme last August, the first scholarship presentation for the Scholarship Pathway of the programme took place recently at the company headquarters in Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

On the day, ten successful applicants were awarded scholarships for the programme, including Eoin McManus from Athlone, studying for a BEng in Renewable and Electrical Engineering at University of Limerick, and Orla Cox from Lanesboro, studying for a degree in General Science at UCD.

The ‘Pathways to the Future’ programme consists of three different

pathways: a Scholarship Pathway, a Graduate Pathway, and an Apprenticeship Pathway, each offering different choices, educational support and career development opportunities to a broad range of people.

All three of the pathways provide opportunities to work on the front line of climate action and sustainable economic development.

The Bord na Móna Scholarship Pathway is offering the ten successful applicants financial support to for access to studies through scholarships. The scholarship includes a monetary grant, future work placement opportunity, site visits to Bord na Móna pro-

jects and a Bord na Móna assigned mentor, with eligible candidates needing to be enrolled in undergraduate studies (level 8), masters or doctoral studies.

Tom Donnellan, Chief Executive of Bord na Móna described the programme as a fantastic opportunity for apprentices, graduates and students to get “hands-on experience”.

“This is a unique programme, offering three pathways for those wanting to become part of the solution to climate change,” he said.

“These programmes aim to encourage a new generation of ambitious, creative and future-focused women and men to develop their

career within a progressive company and to help them inspire change and meet Ireland’s climate goals”.

Sharon Doyle, Head of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Bord na Móna said: “Bord na Móna is delighted to be able to offer support to students interested in looking at new ways to tackle climate change. We will now be supporting our ten successful applicants during their studies and will aim to enable them to proactively tackle the key issues linked to climate change, and to learn a wide range of skills alongside the very best experts our industry has to offer”.

New research project to examine the wellbeing impact of ‘Let it Bee’ initiative

The Irish Research Council (IRC) is funding an exciting Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) study, which will measure the wellbeing impact of the award-winning ‘Let it Bee’ community project since its launch in County Roscommon.

The ‘Let it Bee’ project

was launched in 2020 by Roscommon group water schemes involved in a national drinking water source protection project. Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the project saw 17 farming families get involved in the art of beekeeping.

The initiative provided bees, equipment and mentorship to each family and aims to educate local communities about the link between biodiversity and the protection of drinking water sources, along with the dangers of pesticides.

The environmental impacts of the project were recognised at European level when it won the European Landowners’ Organisation’s European Bee Award 2020.

What is less known however, is the impact that the project has had on the wellbeing of the families and communities involved.

This will be the focus of the new RSCI study, led by Dr Jolanta Burke.

Commenting on the project, Dr Burke said: “This is a significant development for ‘Let it Bee’ and similar biodiversity projects. If our findings show the biodi-

versity project’s positive impact on wellbeing, in the future, we will be able to design interventions that simultaneously improve our environment and mental health”.

Members of Corracreigh GWS, County Roscommon, are among those who have participated in Let it Bee.

Speaking about the research project, the group water scheme’s manager, Thomas Rushe, said: “It is great to see a project that started on the Corracreigh Group Water Scheme being viewed from an environmental and a wellbeing perspective”.

Thomas added: “We recently involved people in Roscommon mental health services workshops in manufacturing wild bee hotels, which we distributed to members of our GWS. These hotels have served as

a way to involve our entire community in the protection of water quality and pollinators. This project was made possible by the continued support of Roscommon County Council, the NFGWS and local Health Service Executive (HSE) staff”.

Neighbouring Mid-Roscommon GWS was also instrumental in developing the ‘I’ve planted a tree and my garden is pesticide free’ programme, which provides native trees and educational materials to schoolchildren.

Catherine Finlay, Rural Water Liaison Officer in Roscommon County Council, added: “The Roscommonbased national groundwater source protection pilot project is a great example of what can be achieved when local authorities work in partnership with local communities”.

Pictured is Corracreigh Group Water Scheme manager, Thomas Rushe, next to a ‘Let it Bee’ beehive.

Two Roscommon students were among those recently awarded scholarships through Bord na Móna’s ‘Pathways to the Future’ programme. The scholarships were awarded by Bord na Móna Chief Executive Tom Donnellan at company headquarters in Newbridge, Co. Kildare recently.

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300

Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com

Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com

THURSDAY 16TH MARCH:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS

MONDAY 20TH MARCH: BULLOCK SALE

THURSDAY 23RD MARCH:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS

INCLUDING SALE OF 17 CONTINENTAL RUNNERS, 10 BULLS, 7 HEIFERS APPROX 3 MONTHS OLD

FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

ROSCOMMON TYRE CENTRE

Props: Aaron & Colin Mullally Circular Road, Roscommon

Tel: (090) 66 26626 Fax: (090) 66 27022

Mobile: (087) 9007898

ALL AGRICULTURAL TYRES AND TRACTOR BATTERIES STOCKED

ROSCOMMON AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Will be held in Hannon’s Grounds, Athlone Road, Roscommon THE SHOW WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, 19th AUGUST 2023

Classes for Horses, Cattle, Ponies, Sheep, Dogs, etc.

Best Dog Section in the County - 2 free classes

Under 12 years: 1-Boys 1-Girls

• TROPHIES FOR ALL CLASSES

Big Section + Free Kids events on the day

Phone Damien Hannon on:

(086) 8509845 or Christy Tully PRO (086) 2209338 for further details

ICSA to host sheep sector crisis meeting in Carrick

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association is urging all farmers to attend a meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon next Tuesday (21st) aimed at addressing the issues affecting the sheep sector.

The meeting will take place at 8 pm in The Bush Hotel in Carrick and speakers include agricultural consultant Oliver Crowe, a representative from Bord Bia, and ICSA Sheep Chair Sean McNamara.

Speaking this week, Mr McNamara said: “I am inviting all sheep farmers to come along and have their say on the current state of the sheep sector. As far as I am concerned, the sector is in crisis, and we need to plot a way forward so sheep farming can have a future”.

Farm payments delay ‘unacceptable’

IFA has completely rejected any potential delay in farm payments under the new Common Agricultural Policy, describing such proposals as ‘unacceptable’.

Speaking following the recent Farmers’ Charter of Rights meeting in Portlaoise, Deputy President Brian Rushe accused the Department of Agriculture of issuing a “take it or leave it” payment schedule.

Meanwhile, IFA Rural Development Chair Michael Biggins said farmers’ rights were not being considered.

Farming Desk

He called for open dialogue and practical solutions and said Department officials were given a clear message that IFA would not accept any delays.

The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association (INHFA) has also called for farm payments scheduled this autumn to be paid in line with previous payment dates.

IFA reiterates calls for sheep farmer supports

Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture recently, IFA President Tim Cullinan said the challenging income situation on sheep farms was a major deterrent to new entrants into the sector.

Mr Cullinan said that gross margins on sheep farms decreased by 14 per cent in 2022 while net

margins were down 71 per cent.

“Direct supports for sheep farmers must be increased to €30 per ewe to encourage generational renewal and ensure the economic viability of existing sheep farmers,” he said.

Sheep Committee Chair Kevin Comiskey said the crisis could only be alleviated by immediate Government support.

In terms of shearing, he said it costs approximately €8 to present a 3kg fleece rolled and packed on a farm and this was costing farmers over €21 million annually. He said shearing costs must be supported to incentivise farmers.

Role of female farmers highlighted on International Women’s Day

Marking International Women’s Day on Wednesday, March 8th, IFA National Farm Family and Social Affairs Chair, Alice Doyle, has called for the removal of social and cultural barriers and the introduction of additional supports to incentivise women to become more involved in the agricultural sector.

“It is so important for the future sustainability of farming and the wider agri-food sector that more women are empowered and supported to get involved in the sector,” she said.

“Rural women are an under utilised resource, and we need to introduce additional supports to encourage more women farmers to get involved.

“We need to increase women’s visibility in within the sector, to show younger women that there is a career for them in farming”.

Despite the recent inclement weather conditions and hazardous road conditions, up on 600 animals were sold on Thursday last. Trade remained firm for all categories of stock presented for sale with the forward bullocks making up to €2,070, heifers topping out at €2,190 and the dry cows making up to €2,460. The weanling rings noted a good clearance on the day with demand and price maintained from last week. The calf ring noticed larger numbers on offer this week with a good clearance taking place and lots making up to €420. Sucklers made up to €2,480 while the runners topped out at €1,190.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1,390 to €2,060 and springers made up to €2,480. Dairy cross calves made from up to €80, and Hereford and Angus lots made from €120 to €280 with continentals making up to €420. Runners made up to €1,190 for continental types.

Sales continue today (Thursday) with our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

Sample prices for bullocks: Lm 475kgs €1780, Lm 455kgs €1590, AA 490kgs €1530, Ch 545kgs €1910, Ch 570kgs €1670, Ch 500kgs €1540, Lm 595kgs €1910, Ch 570kgs €1890, AA 635kgs €1970, AAx 710kgs €2070, AAx 730kgs €2070.

Heifers: Lm 420kgs €1310, Ch 420kgs €1350, BBX 415kgs €1310, Lm 490kgs €1750, BB 475kgs €1700, Ch 495kgs €1620, Lm 545kgs €2190, Lm 525kgs €2080, Lm 665kgs €2020, Ch 730kgs €2040, Ch 660kgs €2080.

Dry cows: Ch 830kgs €2460, Sim 865kgs €2440, Ch 765kgs €2360, Ch 780kgs €2340, Ch 775kgs €2200, Fr 465kgs €800, Fr 480kgs €880.

Weanling bulls: Lm 295kgs €1020, Hex 270kgs €1000, BB 270kgs €970, Ch 250kgs €830, Lm 363kgs €1240, Ch 320kgs €940, Lm 475kgs €1510, Lm 458kgs €1450, Ch 390kgs €1240.

Weanling heifers: Chx 285kgs €990, Ch 265kgs €970, Lm 245kgs €840, AA 233kgs €810, AA 350kgs €1270, Ch 345kgs €1110, Lm 310kgs €1020, Lm 365kgs €1000.

Castlerea MART WATCH

Ryan Duke, Harry Gately, Conor Duke and Leo Gately pictured at the recent Working for Rural Ireland event in the Abbey Hotel. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Working for Rural Ireland event in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon were Mark Dusten and Chloe Burke. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Working for Rural Ireland event with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD (in the Abbey Hotel) were Cllr Emer Kelly and Jim O’Connor (IFA). Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Working for Rural Ireland event in the Abbey Hotel were Sean McKeon and Pat Leonard. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Working for Rural Ireland event in the Abbey Hotel were IFA Rural Development Committee member John Hanley and Miriam Gunn from the National Dairy Council. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon PPN issue call for greater community engagement

Roscommon Public Participation Network (PPN) has issued an invitation to community and voluntary groups in Roscommon to join their local PPN and help build a better future for the county.

The call-out comes as a new national brand identity and awareness campaign for Public Participation Networks was launched by Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien in Dublin recently.

Roscommon PPN, one of 31 local authorities across the State, was established

in 2014. 25 of its members currently sit on nine boards and committees of local decision-making bodies and, since it was set up, it has contributed to numerous local policies and undertaken a diverse range of events, programmes and initiatives for its membership.

PPNs allow local authorities to connect with community groups around their county and give people a greater say in local government decisions that affect their communities.

Membership also gives groups access to benefits

including bespoke training programmes, information on funding and grants, as well as networking and learning opportunities with other local organisations.

Secretariat member of Roscommon PPN, Niall Croghan, says joining Roscommon Public Participation Network is “a fantastic way of getting involved in local decision-making and contributing to a thriving community”.

Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan said: “In implementing the Public Participation Network

(PPN) model at a local level, the public and its affiliated organisations can articulate a diverse range of views and interests which feed into the local decisionmaking and policy-making structures of Roscommon County Council.

“Some examples of these structures include Roscommon County Council Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs), the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) and the Heritage Forum.

“The equitable represen-

tation of communities on these committees is of paramount importance to Roscommon County Council. It allows us to seek valuable contributions and input from the public.

“This enables us to formulate key local development policies including the Local Economic and Community Plan. Wellfunctioning PPN structures allow inclusion and democracy to be at the heart of every community”. For further information, visit the website of Roscommon PPN: https:// www.roscommonppn.ie/.

There was a good entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s special bullock sale on March 10th with a very strong trade for all classes. Bullocks fetched from an average of €3.24 per kilo up to €4.33 per kilo, and dry cows made an average of €2.57 per kilo up to €3.21 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside, with online bidders also active.

There was a good entry of topquality weanlings on offer at our sale held on Tuesday evening last, March 14th, with a strong trade for both bulls and heifers. Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €3.19 per kilo up to €4.04 per kilo, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €3.24 per kilo up to €5.24. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside, with online buyers also active.

We had a larger number of sheep on offer at our weekly sale of lambs and cast ewes, held on

Wednesday, March 15th. Prices for finished hoggets peaked at €152, and the tops for stag ewes fetched €224.

Cast ewes made from €60 to €224 per lot, in-lamb ewes made from €130 up to €195, ewes with two lambs at foot made up to €245, and ewes with one lamb at foot made up to €215.

Our next sale of lambs and cast ewes takes place on Wednesday, March 22nd, at 11 am. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestocklive.com.

Sample prices for dry cows: AAX 895kgs €2580, Char X 780kgs €2,220, AAX 775kgs €2160, Char X 760kgs €2060, Lim X 655kgs €2100, AAX 695kgs €1980, HEX 820kgs €1900, SIX 655kgs €1770, BBX 645kgs €1720, AAX 725kgs €1640, LIM

X 600kgs €1600, Lim X 660kgs €1550, Lim X 635kgs €1480, HEX 650kgs €1380, Heifers: Char X 610kgs €2480, Lim X 615kgs €2480, Char X 645kgs €2420, Char X 610kgs €2420, Char X 585kgs €2380, Char X 660kgs €2320, Char X 640kgs €2320, Char X 635kgs €2320, Lim X 595kgs €2320, Char X 570kgs €2160, Char X 520kgs €1980, Lim X 540kgs

€1860, Char X 510kgs €1960, Lim X 570kgs €1910, Char X 475kgs €1670, Lim X 565kgs

€2000, Char 570kgs €2060, Char X 605kgs €1860, Lim X 560kgs

€1830, Char X 625kgs €1880.

Weanling heifers: Lim X 355kgs

€1,860 (€5.24 per kg), Char X 360kgs €1,550 (€4.31 per kg), Lim X 320kgs €1,260 (€3.94 per kg), Char X 340kgs €1,270 (€3.74 per kg), Lim X 325kgs

€1,260 (€3.88 per kg), Lim X

300kgs €1,190 (€3.97 per kg), Char X 290kgs €1,090 (€3.76 per

kg), Char X 180kgs €650 (€3.61 per kg), Char X 275kgs €980 (€3.56 per kg), Char X 260kgs

€900 (€3.46 per kg).

Weanling bulls: Char X 285kgs

€1,150 (€4.04 per kg), Char X 295kgs €1,190 (€4.03 per kg), Char X 375kgs €1,440 (€3.84 per kg), Lim X 335kgs €1,270 (€3.79 per kg), Char X 325kgs

€1,270 (€3.91 per kg), Lim X 335kgs €1,230 (€3.67 per kg), Char X 350kgs €1,250 (€3.57 per kg), Lim X 330kgs €1,250 (€3.79 per kg), Char X 385kgs €1,370 (€3.56 per kg), Lim X 300kgs €1,140 (€3.80 per kg), Char X 285kgs €1,060 (€3.72 per kg), Lim X 245kgs €880 (€3.59 per kg), Char X 255kgs €990 (€3.88 per kg), SIX 265kgs €860 (€3.25 per kg).

Finished hoggets: 59.5kgs €152, 62.4kgs €152, 60.7kgs €150, 51.3kgs €150, 48.2kgs €148, 51kgs €146, 51.6kgs €140, 50kgs €136, 48 kgs €132, 46.3kgs €128.

- - -

Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. – Gates close at 10 a.m.

Sheep Scanning Service available each Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

** Date for the Diary **

Saturday, 25th of March

Irish Simmental Cattle Society

Premier Show and Sale

Show 9 a.m. - Sale 12 noon

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Charities and Integration, Joe O’Brien TD, pictured at the launch of a national awareness campaign for Public Participation Networks (PPNs) with representatives from PPNs across Ireland.

For Lease C. 70.00 Ac.

Castlestrange, Athleague

Option to include 12 Bay Shed (6 Slatted)

Long Term: 5 or 6 Years from 1st April

For Lease C. 45.60 Ac.

Galey, Knockcroghery

In Two Lots.

Long Term: 5 or 6 Years from 1st April

with Slatted Shed

To Let C. 17.10 Ac.

Tromaun, Roscommon

Short Term: From 1st April 2023 to 1st Feb 2024

For Lease C. 32.50 Ac.

Slieve & Corbally, Donamon

Long Term: 5 or 6 Years from 1st April 2023

For Lease C. 40.50 Ac.

Skrine, Rahara

Long Term: 5 or 6 Years from 1st April 2023

For Lease C. 70.40 Ac.

Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon

Long Term: 5 or 6 Years from 1st April 2023

with Slatted Shed

c. 24.50 Ac. @ Cloonavinden

C. 24.90 Ac. @ Rosmeen

C. 13 Ac. @ Lisboy

C. 9 Ac. @ Lisboy

PropertyPeople

GALWAY F45 KT02

Dysart farm set for online auction with Connaughton Auctioneers on April 14th

Connaughton Auctioneers have this week confirmed that they have a residential farm on 42 acres in Dysart for sale by online auction (LSL Platform) on Friday, April 14th at 3 pm.

The residence is being offered in seven lots as follows: Lot 1: Residence and outbuildings on approximately 10.9 acres; Lot 2: Approximately 9 acres; Lot 3: Residence and outbuildings on approximately 19.9 acres (Lots 1 & 2 combined); Lot 4: Approximately 14.3 acres; Lot 5: Approximately 7.8 acres; Lot 6: Approximately 22.1 acres (Lots 4 & 5 combined), and Lot 7: The entire property including residence and outbuildings on approximately 42 acres. Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton stated: “This is a fine property to come to market, located in a much sought after area both for residential and farmland.

“The property is being offered in lots to accommodate all interested parties. The residence has been recently fully renovated and all of the lands are of excellent quality.

“This is the first of our online auctions in 2023 and we look forward to using the LSL Platform again this year. LSL is well known to all farmers as they are used by marts for livestock sales. If any interested party wants further information on how the online auction is conducted, feel

free to contact our office and ask to speak with me”.

For further information on the property, contact the office on 090-6663700 or email: info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie. Solicitor for the carriage of sale: Brendan Glynn, Patrick Hogan & Co. Solicitors, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. Tel: 090-9642110.

-SHORT TERM LETTING

Sale of the week at RE/MAX Team Earley: Detached residence at Garranlahan More

This week, Keith McLoughlin of RE/MAX Team Earley is delighted to present to the market (due to cancellation) a fourbedroomed, detached bungalow residence, located at Garranlahan More, Garranlahan, Co. Roscommon (F45 RY23), and comprising approximately 1,500 square feet.

The property is presented in very good condition and is flooded with natural light through the large plentiful windows throughout. The BER rating for this property is E2.

The well-proportioned living accommodation on offer comprises of an entrance hall, living room, kitchen/dining room, extralarge utility room with WC,

second living room, four bedrooms and the main bathroom.

The residence is sitting on a generous sized site with well-maintained lawns, with a patio area, an array of mature shrubs and a detached shed to the rear. Ample private parking is available.

The auctioneer highly rec-

ommends viewings of this ready-to-go property. For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 0906626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie, or contact auctioneer Keith on 0860848590.

Garranlahan More, Garranlahan, Co. Roscommon

Unique property on picturesque site in Ballaghaderreen

New to the market with Bradley Homes this week is this three-bedroomed bungalow on a picturesque site of approximately 0.64 acres at Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

This unique property has an abundance of features both internally and externally. The exterior of this property is finished to

a very high standard.

Deidre says: “A lot of time, planning and design went into the positioning of the vegetable plots, shrubs, flowers, plants polytunnel, and strategically placed trees.

“The site is generous at 0.64 acres with views of miles of countryside from the rear. The house and gardens have been an

Happy St Patrick’s Day from Bradley Homes!

Bradley Homes wishes you all a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day. If you are thinking of selling, contact Deirdre on 086-1713417 or email sales@ bradleyhomes.ie for a free evaluation.

ongoing project lovingly tended to by the current owners with many upgrades in recent times from the septic tank to the new insulated and vented roof, new driveway and wooden fencing to the front with large gates giving access to the rear.

“Killadangan is a country retreat within a short drive of all local amenities. Very

seldom does a property such as this arrive on the market. An absolute must for viewing”.

For further information and to arrange a viewing, contact Deirdre on 086-1713417 or sales@bradleyhomes.ie. Viewings are strictly by appointment only. All offers after €167,500.

Prime agricultural farm with Bradley Homes

Bradley Homes are delighted to offer to the market this prime agricultural farm of approximately 33.9 acres (13.72 ha) with a five-bay slatted shed, located in Ross, Killala, Co. Mayo.

The farm is located a mere 1.6 km from Ross Beach and approximately 3.4 kms from Killala Town on the coast of Mayo.

The lands, which are of excellent quality, have boundaries well defined and are serviced by water. Good access and road frontage with potential for residential sites (subject to planning permission).

There is an opportunity to purchase an additional shed, yard and pen and crush if desired.

The lands are contained in the following folios, MY20460 - 9.65 ha (approximately 23.84 acres), MY75361F - 3.95 ha (approximately 9.76 acres) and MY34637 - C. 0.12 ha (0.29 acres).

All enquiries in confidence to Deirdre at 086-1713417 or sales@bradleyhomes.ie.

ACCOUNTS

McGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES CPA

Catering for:

• Individuals

• Sole Traders, Partnerships

• VAT, RCT, PAYE/PRSI, Financial Control, Completion of annual tax returns

First consultation FREE, can meet clients outside office hours

Provides training for start your own business and basic computers and accounting.

Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’

Contact Nuala 090 66 25818 086 0352849

Email: mcgacco@gmail.com

Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS

< ALCOHOLICS ANONY -

MOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42 RP21 (1st Floor). Meet-

ings: Tuesday 8pm to 9pm, Wednesday 1pm to 2pm, Thursday 8pm to 9pm, Friday 8pm to 9pm, Saturday 8pm to 9pm, Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CONNAUGHT

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess)

- Openfire - Stoves - Ranges

Chimney CCTV Inspection

OIL BOILERS SERVICED

Burners Repaired

CARPETS CLEANING

Satellite and Digital TV Installation

All areas covered

Mob: 086 2495851

www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

Creighton

Chimney Cleaning

Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc.

Modern Rotary Chimney Cleaning equipment used from the bottom up. Much cleaner than brushes, CCTV check if required.

Areas covered: Castlerea, Strokestown, Elphin, Castleplunkett, Tulsk, Lanesboro, Roscommon Town, Killashee, Carrickon-Shannon, Scramogue, Rooskey, Kenagh, Tarmonbarry, Ballymahon and all surrounding areas. No climbing on roofs, tiles or slates, no mess, no fuss. Fully Registered. Call Dave on 085 8888833

CHIROPRACTOR

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

Professional and friendly footcare in the comfort of your own home.

Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP Foot Care Practitioner 086 3562718 kathleenwynne63@gmail.com www.kathleensmobilefootcare.ie

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

Are you affected byAnger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Confidence/self-esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse

Contact: Billy 094 96 59966 Mobile: 086 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com

COUNSELLING

Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis. Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you?

Online counselling available. Please call Glynis on 085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

CONSTRUCTION

Stephen Casey Construction

l General Building

l Extensions & Roofing

l Groundworks

FARMING

GARDENING

JOE

HEALY

Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Fully Insured

Phone: 087 2721193

All sprayers tested in 2016/2017 are now due re-test

Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083

< FOR SALE: Silage for sale, Athleague area. Tel: 085 7482187

< FOR SALE: Good hay in Elphin area. Tel: 087 2966228

< FOR SALE: Excellent quality square bales of hay, delivered in lots to suit. Ideal hay for sheep and calves. Call Tom: 086 2628439

< FOR SALE: 30 Round bales of green hay, Athleague/Mount Talbot area. Call: 089 4145833

FENCING/GATES

Des Kelly Fencing

Over 20 years in business

• Tree Surgery

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

Comprehensive Insurance

Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklaw treeservices.com

GARDENING

For all your fencing needs.

l GLAS Fencing

l Grant Fencing

l Post Rail Tel: 087 2172281

Mop & Mow

and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open fires

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Firebacks replaced and flues repaired

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

• Chimney cowls and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services.

Telephone: 087 2798704

l Renovations

l Chimney CCTV Inspections

l Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

GARDENING

Tommy’s Trees & Hedging

Ballaghaderreen Garden & Property Services

l Grasscutting

l Strimming/ Brushcutting

l Hedge cutting

l Weeding/spraying

l Light chainsaw work

l Cleaning

l Pressure washing

Husband and wife team offering the help you need at a price you can afford

Email: mopandmow@ icloud.com

Telephone: 085 868 4169

FOR SALE

We supply all types of trees and hedging, Laurel, Beech, Whitethorn, Oak, Elder Birch, Dog Rose, Gelder Rose, Crab Apple, Wild Cherry and Holly.

Suitable for ACRES & GLAS Scheme and REPS Scheme. Can be delivered Card payment accepted.

Phone: 087 4177148

Classifieds To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Paving Contractor Available

For all types of Paving, Patios, Brick Work, Block Walls, Stone Cladding, Painting, Plastering, Concreting & Mini Digger work

Telephone: 087 8565490

PLANNINGS

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Niall and Chantelle McGinley intend to apply for Retention Permission and Planning Permission at Creggan Townland, Cornafulla, County Roscommon. The Development will consist of: Retention Permission is sought for the following:

1. Existing mobile home as a family residence sited on the subject site for a further 5 years.

2. The existing Tigín facilities situated within the existing agricultural shed for a further 5 years.

Planning Permission is sought for:

1. The installation of a new temporary wastewater treatment system and percolation area for a period of 5 years,

2. New vehicular entrance, and

Design Consultation Planning Applications

New Build, Extend, Renovate

Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural

086 3482387

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Ciaran Caulfield intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct part single storey and part two storey dwelling, domestic garage, connect to existing public services and associated site development works and services at Creggaslin, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon.

Phone: 090 6626974

Mobile: 086 8115449

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Enda McLoughlin and Donna Marie McDonagh are applying to Roscommon County Council for the following:

1. Planning permission for a change of house design from that granted under PD/22/221

PODIATRIST

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Application is being made to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to:

1. Retain existing alterations to house which differ from that granted under PD/10352.

2. Demolish existing shed.

3. Construct extension to dwelling house.

Podiatrist/Chiropodist Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

3. All related ancillary site development works at Creggan Townland, Cornafulla, County Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Niall and Chantelle McGinley

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I am applying on behalf of St. Dominic’s G.A.A. Club for planning permission for the following development works at the club grounds at Gailey, Knockcroghery:

A. Relocation and replacement of perimeter fence to main pitch.

B. Realignment of bottom steps on Spectator Stand.

C. Provision of additional on site car parking spaces.

D. Provision of flood lighting to pitches.

E. Provision of tertiary sewerage treatment plant together with percolation system for dispersal of treated effluent.

F. Relocation of existing ball wall on grounds.

G. All other ancillary development works associated with proposed development.

Signed: Michael O’Connor , Chairperson St. Domininc’s G.A.A. Club The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

2. Planning permission to construct a domestic storage shed along with all site development works Cloondacarra Beg Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45 C673 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529

E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

4. Construct garage.

5. Decommission existing treatment system and construct new proprietary treatment system and percolation area.

And also all ancillary works at Moneymore, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon, F42 KV05

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Paul and Lisa Gallogly.

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon

Physical Therapy Clinic

Movement Matters

20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

CranioSacral

Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.

l HSE Trained and Approved

l Home visits available

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

POWERWASHING

PODIATRIST

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON –MOLLOYS PHARMACY

(Monday to Saturday)

Also available in Boyle & Athlone

Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

Tel: 087

2982214

Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment.

Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons)

Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Leaving Cert Maths Easter Revision Course April 11th & 12th Jacksons, Roscommon Day 1: Financial Maths Day 2: Co-Ordinate Geometry (Higher Level Course) Booking deposit required

Contact by phone/text: Lorraine 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

GERMAN GRINDS

I’m a native German speaker, living in Ireland for the last 18 years. I can help with preparations for the leaving cert and junior cert, conversation practice, etc.

Covering Roscommon/ Longford area

Please contact Ariane on 085 7050516

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist

Main Street, Castlerea

For appointment:

Phone:

(089) 4142233

• Home visits

SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK • 20 years experience

trailer and tonne bag of Ash timber. Transport box, quad shaker and chain harrow. Call 087 7733181

Phone: 086 - 8944363 or 086 - 0872166

l Hydraulic Cylinder Repair and Testing

l Hydraulic Hose Repair

l Oil/Grease Lubricants

l OEM Hydraulic Components and Spares CAN’T

Appointments

SUNFLOWER MONTESSORI

REQUIRE

l Tyres - Car, Van and 4x4

l Wheel Balancing

l 4-Wheel Alignment

l Batteries

l Adblue

l Accessories

•

•

< HOME HELP

Full-time/Part-time

FULL-TIME

CHILDCARE ASSISTANT

Must have FETAC Level 5

Apply with CV to: sunflowermontessori@outlook.ie

SITUATIONS VACANT

< HGV MECHANIC: Evergreen Fields are looking for a HGV Mechanic. Full-time position in Dunmore, Co. Galway. Call 087 7206947

< PROCUREMENT OFFICERS: Required for Ballaghaderreen Grocery Store, Co. Roscommon. Salary €30k per annum, 39 hours per week. Call on 0899636114 or email: abid.hussain086@gmail.com

< LADY REQUIRED: To look after elederly lady a few nights a week in Athleague area. Must have fluent english. Tel: 087 9631264 after 7pm

SITUATIONS AVAILABLE

< STONE MASON AVAILABLE: Top quality work, dry stone walls, traditional stone walls for ACRES scheme. Covering Roscommon, Westmeath and Galway. Call: 083 3948740

< AVAILABLE: Qualified, experienced installer available to repair and install fascia, soffits, gutter and downpipes. Call: 089 4173239

AVAILABLE: Experienced, kind, trustworthy, mature lady available to look after person in their own home. Willing to do day time hours. Assisting with personal care, cooking, doctors appointments or any other errands required. Reliable, flexible, cheerful and compassionate. Excellent references available on request. Longford - Roscommon Town area. Call: 085 246 2444 or 089 2314175

David Duffy 087

Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling, Fencing, Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal.

CONCRETE: Kerbing, Paving, Patios, Concrete Slabs and Base, Stone Walls and Plastering DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

DALTON (née Cregg) Bridgie

Brookvale Avenue, Roscommon Town and formerly Ballymore, Boyle, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

KILCLINE Patrick Joseph (P. J.) Roscommon

In loving memory of P.J. who passed away peacefully on 25th March 2022 (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of a dear wife, mother and grandmother who passed away on March 20th 2022.

R.I.P.

The time for my departure is near, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. You were born on the longest day of the year. You left us on the Spring Equinox last year as winter turned to summer. Be forever in springtime Bridgie.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her family. Bridgie’s First Anniversary Mass takes place on Sunday, March 19th at 11.30am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

MULRY

Michael Rosario, The Walk Roscommon. (11th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 23rd March 2012.

R.I.P.

If memories bring us closer, we are never far apart. Forever in our hearts, always in our prayers.

Remembered with love

Eileen and family.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday, 17th March, St. Patrick’s Day at 11.30am.

The most read newspaper in County Roscommon!

On the First Anniversary of P.J.’s passing, his wife Ann, children Eimear, Shane and Aisling and their spouses, his grandchildren and siblings Una, Ambrose and Philomena would like to thank all of those who supported and sympathised with us on our great loss. We offer sincere thanks to the many friends, work colleagues, neighbours and well-wishers who visited our home, attended the Funeral, came to the Mass and those who travelled long distances to be there with us. To those who gave Mass cards, floral tributes, phone calls and messages, we are eternally grateful. Special thanks to the staff at Abbey Haven Nursing Home, Roscommon Hospital, Sligo General Hospital and the staff at RHS, in particular his carer Anne, for their excellent care and support.

Thank you to Pat Smyth Funeral Directors, for his professionalism and great care in handling the funeral arrangements. To Fr. Joe Fitzgerald, for the lovely Mass and to the musicians for providing the beautiful music. To all of you who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

In our Hearts

We thought of you today, but that was nothing new, we thought about you yesterday and days before that too. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name, now all we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part, God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.

P.J.’s First Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, 26th of March at 9am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

THANKSGIVINGS

PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE

For urgent need...

Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed. I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) May I receive your blessings and favours. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. M.C.

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. M.F.

MURRAY

Michael and Ruth Kilmore, Athleague (6th and 30th Anniversary)

O’ROURKE

Mary (Nonie)

Abbey Street, Roscommon Town, Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary, who died on March 16th 2022 R.I.P.

LENNON

Michael, Kathleen & Gerard Cloonmurray, Strokestown

Fondly remembered by their loving family, Michael (died 14th March 1999) and Kathleen (died 11th January 2013) and their son Gerard (Gerry) (died 25th February 2022), Cloonmurray,

19th March 2017 12th April 1993

In the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be there.

Always loved, missed and remembered by Marie and Shane and their partners Gabriel and Shevaun.

Mass offered.

MONTH’S MIND MASS

LOOBY

Albert

Roscommon

Who passed away 21st of February 2023

Albert’s wife Aileen, his daughters Susan and Michelle, sons John, Albert, Mark and Colin, his sister Noreen and brother Michael, daughters-in-law Mary Rose and Fran and sons-in-law Richard and Paul, sisters-in-law Anne, Eileen and Joan and brother-inlaw John, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with his extended family wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following our very sad loss of Albert on the 21st February 2023.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many friends, neighbours and work colleagues who sent their condolences, made phone calls, neighbours who kindly brought food and called into the house to offer support, messages from Roscommon County Council former colleagues, Guards of Honour from Kilbride GAA and Creggs Rugby Football Club, condolences from Roscommon LGFA and Roscommon GAA, especially condolences from Albert’s old school and UCC friends, and all those who attended the removal, funeral and burial.

Your kindness and support will always be remembered and has given our family great comfort. A special word of thanks for the excellent treatment and care from the staff at the Galway Clinic, Roscommon Hospital and the Saolta team, Dr. David Harrison, Roscommon GP, the Public Health Nurse and Palliative Care Home Nursing Staff and the staff of the Roscommon Palliative Care Support Unit for the wonderful care given to Albert in his final days and the support given to the family.

A special word of thanks to all those who participated in the Mass, especially Very Rev Pravin Dhason PP and for his support to the family, to the musicians and singers Michelle McCormack and Martin Kelly and to the florist, Shirley Spellman, Future Flowers for the beautiful floral displays, and finally, to Smyth’s Funeral Directors, for their support and professional handling of the arrangements.

Thanks to all who generously made an “In Loving Memory” donation to the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice for the Roscommon Palliative Care Support Unit in Albert’s memory, this is much appreciated. It is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Albert’s Month’s Mind Mass is on Sunday, 26th of March at 11am in St. Brigid’s Church, Four-MileHouse.

We think of you in silence, we often speak your name. But all we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your resting place we visit and put flowers there with care. But no one knows the heartache as we turn and leave you there.

Loved and missed by her sisters Eucharia and Sr. Catherine O’Rourke. Mass offered.

COYLE

Annie Weekfield, Roscommon. (4th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 18th March 2019

Remembrance Mass in Tulsk Church on Sunday, 19th March 2023 at 11.30am.

BUTLER

Teresa and Jimmy Curry, Brideswell, Co. Roscommon (10th Anniversary and 48th Anniversary)

MONTH’S MIND MASS

CURLEY (née Duignan) Mairead

Ardmore, Donamon, Co Roscommon

Who passed away 26th February 2023

Teresa who died on 17th March 2013 and Jimmy who died on 25th February 1975

Sadly missed by their family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Bridget’s Church, Curraghboy on Thursday, 23rd March at 7pm.

MONTH’S MIND MASS

Mairead’s daughter Therese, son-in-law Marty, grandchildren Robbie, Jenny and Katie, brother Peadar, sister Sheila, nieces and nephews, brothers-inlaw, sisters-in-law, along with extended family wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following our very sad loss of Mairead on 26th February 2023.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to our kind friends and neighbours who called to Mairead’s house who brought food and refreshments and offered much support.

Sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses at Roscommon University Hospital for their excellent care and treatment of Mairead. We offer heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Sonas Cloverhill Nursing Home for their exceptional kindness, care and compassion shown to Mairead there.

A special word of mention and thanks to Dr. Crosby for his care and professionalism for Mairead at Sonas. Thank you to Fr. Pat Hogan for his pastoral visit to Mairead in Sonas Cloverhill Nursing Home and to Fr. George Agger who offered support and kindness and who said prayers at the Funeral Home.

We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain. To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

Loved and missed everyday by your sons, daughters-inlaw and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass in the Holy Rosary Church Ballyleague on Saturday, 18th March at 7pm.

We the family of the late Joe Lohan would like to express our sincere thanks to all who empathised with us on our recent sad loss of a dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle.

Thank you to all who visited our home, brought food, refreshments and helped with the catering. To those who attended the Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, sent Mass Cards, messages of sympathy and floral tributes.

Sincere thanks to Fr. John McManus who officiated at the Removal. Fr. Micheal Donnelly for the lovely comforting Funeral Mass with Fr. O’Toole. Thanks to Rev. Chris (Deacon), Organist, Choir, Altar Servers and Sacristan.

Special thanks to Funeral Directors Nicola and Pat McDonagh for their professional and personal service. Also the gravediggers who prepared Joe’s final resting place in Ballygar.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and staff in Roscommon University Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness to Joe.

Thanks to the staff in Kelly Henry Medical Centre, Community Nurses and Tully’s Pharmacy. Also thanks to staff at Fallon’s Restaurant, Ballygar for a lovely meal. Finally a special thanks to our neighbours, relatives and friends for their kindness.

Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation as it would be impossible to thank each one individually. The holy sacrifice of the mass has been offered for your intentions.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Month’s Mind Mass for Joe will be offered on Saturday, 18th March 2023 at 8pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

Thank you most sincerely to our Parish priest Fr. Pravin, to the SVD Donamon Castle priests, who concelebrated Mass, Fr. Pat Hogan and Fr. Gerry Langan along with Fr. Michael O’Brien, a lifelong friend of the family. A special mention to Fr. Pat Joe Curley who travelled from Mississippi, who celebrated Mairead’s Funeral Mass. Your presence and reassuring words over the days will always be remembered.

Thank you to family members for the readings and prayers of the faithful during the Funeral Mass . Sincere thanks to those who prepared the church so beautifully for Mairead’ s Funeral Mass. A special word of thanks to Shane and Aoife and to Clooneycolgan choir for the beautiful hymns and music. Thanks to those who prepared the grave for Mairead’s final resting place.

To Smyth’s Funeral Directors, we wish to thank them for their sensitive and professional compassion and kindness as we said goodbye to Mairead.

Thank you to The Abbey Hotel and staff for providing a superb meal following the burial.

We wish to thank all who attended Mairead’s funeral, travelled long distances, especially to Mairead’s sisterin-law May and her niece and Godchild Paula who came from England, to all those who offered messages of condolences, sent mass cards and floral tributes. To all those who helped in any way, your contribution will always be remembered.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our thanks and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Month’s Mind Mass for Mairead will be celebrated on Sunday, 26th March, 2023 at 9.30 am in St. Patrick’s Church, Clooneycolgan, Co. Roscommon.

DONLON

Ellen & John

Ballymacfrane, Donamon, Co. Roscommon.

(47th Anniversary)

(22nd Anniversary)

MURRAY

Michael Joseph Ballindall, Racecourse Rd, Roscommon Town.

(3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Michael, who passed away on March

KELLY Katie

Who passed away on 28th March 2022 (1st Anniversary)

BURKE Ultan

Pollalaher, Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

Who died 16th March 1976

Who died 7th August 2001

Years have gone by memories never die.

You are in our hearts always.

Remembered by your family.

Anniversary Mass in Clooneycolgan Church on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, 17th March at 9.30am.

BELTON

Basil

Clogher, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon (18th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our beautiful son and brother Basil who passed away on the 17th of March 2005 R.I.P.

It doesn’t take a special day, to bring you to our minds, for days without a thought of you are very hard to find. You always did your best, your heart was true and tender. You simply lived for those you loved and those you loved remember.

Always missed and loved Bazz, forever in our hearts.

Love Mammy and all your family. xxxx

Bazz’s Anniversary Mass will be held in Ballinaheglish Church on Sunday, 19th March at 11am.

LEAHY

(Christy)

Christopher Aughagad, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Christopher (Christy), who passed away on the 19th March 2022

KILCLINE

Michael Weekfield, Roscommon

Who passed away on 30th March 2014 (9th Anniversary)

Katie’s mother Sandra and brother Michael and extended family wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following the unexpected loss of our gentle loving Katie in March 2022.

Thank you to our neighbours, friends and relatives who did so much for us in the week of and the weeks following Katie’s death. Thank you to all those who brought food to our home and to all those who sent mass cards, sympathy cards, text messages, who telephoned and who left messages of condolence on social media and RIP.ie and all who visited us during her Repose at home.

Thank you to Fr. Douglas for saying her Funeral Mass, to Fred Mulryan for the singing and to all in the IWA Roscommon and RSG Derrane for their support and the formation of the Guard of Honour at Katie’s Mass. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our grateful appreciation as it would be impossible to thank everyone individually.

Katie’s First Anniversary Mass will be held in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 11.30am on Sunday, 26th March 2023.

M cWEENEY (née Casey)

Kathleen

5 Saint Mary’s Terrace, Ballyleague, Lanesborough, Co. Longford.

Who passed away on 23rd January 2023

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.

Just a prayer from the family who loved you, just a memory fond and true, in our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you.

Sadly missed by your wife, Bernadette and family, Sandra, Colm, Ruadhán and Seoidín. Nicola, Dermot, Róise, Neasa and Diarmuid. Alan, Ruth and Eibhlín.

Anniversary Mass for Ultan will be offered in St. Bridget’s Church, Curraghboy on Friday, 24th March, 2023 at 7pm.

M cDERMOTT PJ

Creeve, Donamon, Roscommon

Who passed away 19th of March 2022 (1st Anniversary)

No time to say I’m leaving, no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it and only God knows why.

A million times we’ve needed you, a million times we’ve cried, if love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still, in our hearts you hold a place, that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

Forever loved and very sadly missed by his parents Tony and Phyllis, brothers and sisters Anne-Marie, Claire, Sean, Mary, Anthony and Perter, his extended family and loyal friends.

Christopher’s Anniversary Mass will be held in the Church of the Assumption, Fuerty on Sunday, 19th March at 11.30am.

A daily thought a silent tear, a constant wish that you were here. Although I smile and make no fuss, no one misses you more than me. And when old times I do recall, that’s when I miss you most of all.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by your brother John.

Anniversary Mass for Michael in Kilteevan Church on Sunday, 26th March at 10am.

The family of the late Kathleen McWeeney would like to express our gratitude to all those who sympathised with us following our sad loss. We are very thankful to everyone who attended her Reposing at her home, Funeral Mass and Burial, all who sent mass cards, sympathy cards and posted condolences online. Thanks also to all our relatives and friends who travelled long distances to be with us.

Thanks to all our friends, neighbours and extended families who provided refreshments at her home, your kindness and support is very much appreciated. Thanks also to her Doctor, Dr. Colm Farrell and his staff for their care at all times.

A special thanks to the management and staff of Innis Ree Lodge Nursing Home, Ballyleague who looked after Mam so well, especially during the difficult last few days and for their kindness and friendship to us, ye were all brilliant.

A special thanks to Fr. Dan who officiated at her Funeral and was a great source of comfort to us throughout. A special thanks also to Seamus Farrell for his wonderful music and singing, it was lovely. A special word of thanks to Tom Crosby, Funeral Undertaker, Tarmonbarry who did a wonderful job and to the gravediggers who prepared Mam’s final resting place.

To the management and staff at the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown for the lovely meal and hospitality after the Funeral.

Finally, thanks to the lovely choir in Ballyleague who did a brillant job at Mam’s Month’s Mind Mass, thanks so much.

To everyone who helpled in any way, thank you, we really appreciate your kindness.

Kathleen, always missed, forever loved by all her family.

We, the family of the late PJ, wife Marian, son Daniel, daughters Laura and Hilary, sisters Marian, Patricia and Claire and extended family wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us in the recent loss of PJ. We wish to offer our heartfelt thanks to our many relatives, neighbours and friends who travelled from home and abroad and visited us during his Repose, attended his Funeral Mass and Burial.

To Fr. Pravin thank you sincerely for contributing to the celebration of PJ’s life with a beautiful Mass and for supporting us in our time of need. Thank you to Ann, sacristan for preparing the church so beautifully and to the wonderful Ballinaheglish choir for their uplifting hymns.

We would like to thank Smyth’s Funeral Directors, Roscommon for their support and professionalism in handling the arrangements.

Sincere thanks to all the staff in the Claddagh Ward and Haematology Ward UCHG, the Roscommon Community Palliative Care Team, Roscommon Hospital, Dr. Elizabeth Sweeney McSharry and all the staff at McGuinness Pharmacy, Roscommon. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our thanks and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered ifor your intentions.

Your memory is our keepsake, with which we will never part, God has you in His keeping, we have you in our hearts.

PJ’s First Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish on Sunday, 19th March at 11am.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh an anam.

Sports PEOPLE

GAA Results

5th & Mad - East Side, New York Division One (O’Rourke Cup)

Roscommon hurlers can complete their recent revival when they travel to play Monaghan in Clontibret on Saturday knowing

that a win will put them in pole position for a place in the play-off stages in Division 3A.

The performance against Armagh in Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday will give the

team a huge boost as they face the home side who are top of the table on six points, two ahead of Seamus Qualter’s men.

A win would almost certainly guarantee a place in

the league final and give the team an excellent chance of promotion. Team manager Qualter says that Hugh Rooney will be back in the panel this week, however it would be a surprise if there

are any changes from the team that played so well last time out against Armagh. With confidence returning to the Roscommon team since the change of manager, another win is ex-

Allianz NFL Division One (Round 6):

Kerry v Roscommon on Saturday in Austin Stack Park, Tralee at 7.30 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

The rivalry between Roscommon and Kerry goes back a long, long way and it always seems that when the teams meet it’s in a big game. While this might not be a major championship match, it is still a

vital league fixture and both sides will be looking to secure the two points on offer.

Put simply, Kerry must win following their defeats against Donegal, Tyrone and Mayo. Jack O’Connor and his men may not have all guns blazing this league campaign but they won’t want to fall through the relegation trap door either. You can therefore expect a very strong Kingdom line-up this Saturday.

Speaking to People Sport this week, Roscommon manager Davy Burke said his side was looking forward to visiting the Kingdom.

“To be visiting the All-Ireland

Roscommon Ladies footballers have another chance to avoid relegation from Division Two of the Lidl Ladies’ National League when they take on Monaghan in

champions on their own patch is very exciting and we are going there to give a good account of ourselves,” he said.

“The lads have been great; they never got carried away when we won the three games in a row at the start of the campaign and equally they weren’t too down when we lost the last two which is a great sign.

“We need a point to be absolutely certain of staying in this division and we want to wrap that up in Tralee and that’s our intention. We are going there to win,” he concluded.

On the team news front, Cian

the penultimate group game at a Farney County venue (to be decided) on Sunday. Roscommon are bottom of the table and without a point so far, but Monaghan are just above them on three points so this is a ‘must win’ game for Ollie Lennon’s

McKeon is back in training and he could feature this weekend, but apart from that, the panel remains largely unchanged.

Kerry start as red-hot favourites to win but there recent form is the cause of some doubt. They were deservedly beaten by a resurgent Tyrone in their last outing.

Roscommon, on the other hand, have started slowly in four of their five games so far. But while second-half revivals were enough to beat Tyrone, Armagh and Galway, the Mayo game showed that Burke’s men must produce a 75-minute performance in Tralee to have any hope of a result.

team if they want to have any chance of avoiding a return to Division Three. Just one team is relegated in this division so a win would put Roscommon in with a great chance to save their status ahead of their remaining fixture against Laois.

pected, and from the doom and gloom that surrounded the loss to Louth, brighter days are surely ahead for Roscommon hurling.

Prediction: Roscommon

Roscommon Gaels 5-10 Tulsk Lord Edwards 0-9 St. Faithleach’s 1-10

Fuerty 1-6 Boyle 0-16

Pádraig Pearses 0-13

Western Gaels 1-10 Elphin 2-5

Leydon Bros London Division Two (O’Gara Cup)

Castlerea St Kevin’s 2-11 St Brigid’s 1-4

Strokestown 2-18 Kilbride 1-6

Pádraig Pearses 1-12

Shannon Gaels 0-11, Michael Glavey’s 3-15 Kilmore 0-4

Éire Óg 1-8 Creggs 2-4

Atlantis IPS Division

Three (Tansey Cup) St Aidan’s 3-15 St Barry’s 1-9

Strokestown 2-12

Castlerea St Kevin’s 1-6 St Michael’s 1-10

These are the games that any footballer worth his salt wants to play in; against the All-Ireland champions in their own back yard and in front of a national TV audience.

To borrow a phrase from the late, great Kerry legend Páidí Ó Sé, “A grain of rice will tip the scale…but you will have to be steely tough upstairs and you must be willing to break your gut”.

If the Roscommon players heed those wise words and adopt a similar attitude then they could be in with a chance of an upset this Saturday in Tralee.

Prediction: Kerry.

This will be a very difficult fixture for Roscommon but they have been very close to victory in most of their games so far and hopefully their luck will change this weekend.

Sporting success: Convent of Mercy, Roscommon supporters had plenty to smile about last week after the school’s rugby team won a first ever Connacht senior title on International Women’s Day (Wednesday, March 8th) before the junior camogie team brought home an All-Ireland title on Saturday. See inside…

< SEAMUS DUKE

< SEAMUS DUKE

Cheltenham returns for 2023

Horses for Courses

The Cheltenham Festival returned on Tuesday and the first home in the Supreme Novice Hurdle were Irish trained. The Willie Mullins trained favourite Facile Vega finishing runner-up to Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale ridden by Michael O’Sullivan for his first festival win.

The Arkle developed into a two-horse race with WP Mullins’ El Fabiolo beating Paul Nicholls’ Jonbon.

The Ultima Handicap chase was won for the second year in a row by Lucinda Russell’s Corach Rambler and Derek Fox beating Sean Mulryan’s Fastorslow.

In the Champion Hurdle, long oddson Constitution Hill destroyed the field beating WP Mullins’ State Man and Gordon Elliott’s Zanahiyr and is now oddson again to repeat the feat next year.

Honeysuckle bows out in style!

In the Mares Hurdle, wonder mare Honeysuckle returned to the winner’s enclosure beating Love Envoi and Queens Brook and will now be retired. The stands erupted when Rachael Blackmore drove on after the last and the pair got a reception equal to, if not better, to that enjoyed by Constitution Hill.

The Juvenile Handicap Hurdle provided the Irish with a fourth winner on the day as Michael O’Sullivan completed a double on Elliott’s Jazzy Matty beating compatriots Byker and Risk Belle.

In the National Hunt Challenge Cup for amateur riders, Patrick Mullins completed a double for his father on Gail-

lard Du Mensil with Chemical Energy second for Elliott and Jamie Codd with Derek O’Connor third on Mister Coffey. A clean sweep for Ireland’s top amateurs giving Ireland a 5-2 lead in the Prestbury Cup.

On Wednesday, the Ballymore Novices Hurdle threw up another winner for Ireland as WP Mullins had a 1, 2, 3 with Impaire Et Passe from Gaelic Warrior and Champ Kiely.

The ten-runner Brown Advisory Novice Chase was won by The Real Whacker, trained in England by former Irish trainer Patrick Neville who led pillar to post.

In the Coral Cup, Sean Mulryan’s An Epic Song was beaten a head by Langer Dan trained by Dan Skelton.

Energumene for WP Mullins easily beat de Bromhead’s Captain Guiness Queen Mother Champion Chase, while Elliot’s Delta Work one the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase.

The Grand Annual Chase had 18 runners and there was another Irish 1, 2 with the de Bromhead outsider Maskada beating WP Mullins’ Dinoblue. In the Weatherby’s Champion Bumper, the winner was Irish trained by John Kiely in Waterford. The winner, Dream To Share, gave John Gleeson a winner on his first ride in Prestbury Park beating WP Mullins’ Fact To File. A winner tipped here last week and who won in Roscommon.

Cheltenham Thursday

In the opening Turners Novice Chase, nine runners go to post, four Irish and five British. The Irish contingent is headed by Elliott’s Mighty Potter head-

Short putts

Athlone

Congratulations to Bernie Stapleton on winning the White Elephant competition recently. Results: Winner Bernie Stapleton (27 points); 2nd: Jean McGowan (23); 3rd: Kathleen McDonnell (23); 4th: Chris Fuery (23); 5th: Bríd Kenny (23).

Boyle

The golfing year teed off in Boyle with the Captain’s DriveIn on Sunday. Best wishes to Men’s Captain Liam Whyte and Lady Captain Maura O’Farrell for the year ahead.

Congratulations to Eddie Conroy who was the emphatic winner of the recent 18-hole Stableford competition. Eddie’s score of 47 left him ten points ahead of nearest challenger Michael McHale.

The club is hoping to restart Junior Golf this year. Details are yet to be finalised but it will most likely take place on Saturday mornings between Easter and the summer holidays for children aged 8 to 12.

Carrick

The Captain’s Drive-In takes place this Saturday (18th) with

by Tom Red

ing the betting with Banbridge, and Appreciate It with 11/1 bar. Davy Russell rides Mighty Potter which will give him another festival winner.

The Pertemps Hurdle Final is a wideopen affair with a full complement of 24 runners. Davy Russell might have a double on Maxxum but I prefer Tony Martin’s Good Time Jonny e/w.

There are nine set to go in the Ryanair with six Irish-trained. The raiding party is headed by Mullins’ Blue Lord, but it is hard to oppose Nicky Henderson’s oddson Shiskin.

In this year’s Stayers Hurdle, 11 are declared to run. The one to beat looks to be last year’s winner Flooring Porter for Gavin Cromwell who reports that the 8-Y-O is back to his best following two defeats. He will be given all to do by Charles Byrnes Blazing Khal and Elliott’s Teahupoo.

In the Magner’s Plate Handicap Chase, 24 runners are headed by Emmet Mullins’ So Scottish at 7/2, hoping to repeat the trainers win last year with The Shunter.

There are ten Irish runners in the 2m Jack de Bromhead Mares Novice Hurdle. It looks a race that could be won by Jamie Snowden’s consistent Youwearitwell from de Bromhead’s Magical Zoe. The Kim Muir has a full field and Jamie Codd rides Dunboyne. Mullins has one in favourite Mr Incredible, and he is preferred as he will go on the ground. Derek O’Connor rides JP McManus’s outsider Musical Slave trained by Philip Hobbs. My e/w Yankee selection for today, €1 stake, is Flooring Porter, So Scottish, Youwearitwell and Mr Incredible.

Gents’ Captain Brendan Boyle and Lady Captain Sheila Carney teeing us off for 2023. They will be joined by club President Oliver Curran and the format is a four-person Mixed Scramble. Best of luck to all involved.

Congratulations to Team 13 (Captain Patricia O’Hara) who won the Spring League with an impressive final score of 564 points.

Congratulations also to last weekend’s Ladies winner, Martina Sweeney with 21 points, and Gents’ winner Seamus Mulhern, also with 21 points.

Last Thursday’s Senior outing was cancelled due to the weather but the trip to Strandhill on Monday was some consolation! Results in next week’s Short Putts.

Castlerea

The Captains’ Drive-In will take place at 1.30 pm on St Patrick’s Day (Friday), and we wish Padraic Gilmore and Teresa Meaney the very best of luck for the year ahead.

Elected officers for 2023 are as follows: Captain Padraic Gilmore, Lady Captain Teresa Meaney and Club President Tony Brophy. Liam Callaghan has taken over as chair of the management committee.

Cheltenham Friday

The Triumph Hurdle opens racing tomorrow. Blood Destiny heads the market but may have to give way to Lossiemouth.

The County Handicap Hurdle has 21 declared with six Irish runners. David Pipes’ Thanksforthehelp is favourite with Mark Walsh aboard. A good e/w chance here is Tony Martin’s Good Time Jonny.

The Albert Bartlett has 20 runners and is a very open race. There is a field of 13 set to face the starter in the Blue Riband of the festival, the Gold Cup, including seven Irish with WP Mullins’ Galopin Des Champ the favourite.

The ‘amateur’ Gold Cup, The Foxhunters, has 24 left standing and looks a match between WP Mullins’ Billway and Vaucelet for David Christie. Vaucelet to win.

There were only nine entered in the penultimate race of the festival and seven are Irish trained. Willie Mullins again trains the favourite and Allegorie De Vassy will be hard to beat.

Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle for conditional jockeys has 24 runners. The top three in the betting are Irish headed again by a Mullins’ horse, Spanish Harlem, who will be ridden by young Michael O’Sulivan hoping to complete a festival treble.

My final e/w Yankee selection for Friday, again a €1 stake, is Lossiemouth, Shiskin, So Scottish, and Spanish Harlem.

Weekend action…

The Irish weekend action starts today (Thursday) under lights on the allweather at Dundalk, first race at 4.40 pm.

On St. Patrick’s Day, there is a meeting in the north at Down Royal featuring the Ulster National Handicap Chase away at 1.50 pm.

On Saturday Thurles features the Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase and the Grade 2 the Webster Cup Chase is away at 1.40 pm. Last Saturday’s postponed meeting at Navan has been rescheduled for Monday.

SPORTS DESK With Dan Dooner

Convent are Connacht champions!

Congratulations to the Convent of Mercy senior rugby team who were crowned Connacht champions following their 39-29 win over Mount St Michael, Claremorris on Wednesday last at the Sportsground in Galway.

The Convent’s tries via a Shauna Walsh hattrick, a brace from Roisin Maher and one apiece from Sarah Purcell and Éabha Dowd.

This was a brilliant team performance as the girls brought home more provincial silverware for the school.

Rossies suffer AllIreland defeats

Commiserations to Rory Carthy and Glen Walsh who both suffered All-Ireland final defeats recently. Carthy who was beaten 21-17, 16-21, 2-11 by Fiachra Ó

Duill in the All-Ireland Minor 40x20 final while Glen Walsh suffered a 21-18, 21-16 defeat to James Stanners in the Masters ‘B’ All-Ireland decider.

Meanwhile, St Coman’s recently hosted county ‘B’ championship fixtures with a large crowd in attendance.

There were county wins for Sean Carthy (U-11s), Patrick Farrell and James Dowling (U-11 Doubles), Niamh Hall (Girls’ U-12), and Eoin Grehan (Boys’ U-12).

First title for young Cavaliers

Congratulations to Castlerea Cavaliers who won the U-16 Lonleitros title at their first attempt following wins over Longford and Carrick-on-Shannon last week.

Jack Dolan, James Hawkshaw, Ross Flynn, Yani Ciforic, Cian Fitzmaurice and Kalem Curren made up a hugely talented squad last week. Michael Keaveney and Joseph Botton also excelled in earlier rounds.

King Harmon Cup winner Martin Sweeney pictured receiving the trophy from Captain Liam Whyte at Boyle Golf Club recently.

Congratulations to the Convent of Mercy senior rugby team who were crowned Connacht champions following their 39-29 win over Mount St Michael, Claremorris on Wednesday last at the Sportsground in Galway.

Honeysuckle near side clears the last with Love Envoi in the Mares’ Hurdle.

Anger at underage GAA fixtures move

< DAN DOONER

A number of Gaelic football and soccer officials have contacted People Sport in recent days to express their dismay at a mooted fixtures change which would see a clash between underage GAA and Roscommon and District Youth Soccer League (RDYSL) matches.

Creggs RFC Report

It is claimed the issue arose following the circulation of a master fixtures list by the Roscommon Minor Football Committee, which shows underage football matches scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays, nights traditionally reserved for RDYSL matches.

One soccer official, who did not wish to be named,

said the proposed change would result in players being forced to choose between the two sports. Another voiced concerns that players would be forced to “choose which group of friends to let down” each week.

It is believed a number of alternative options were discussed at a meeting of the Minor Committee earlier

this week but none of these were accepted. In a bid to clarify the situation, the Roscommon People contacted both the Minor Football Committee and Roscommon County Board. A statement from Roscommon GAA on Wednesday evening (yesterday) said they had “no comment to make”

Soccer results

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs are J1C Cup champions!

Connacht J1C Cup Final: Creggs RFC 20 Oughterard RFC 12.

Creggs are the new Connacht J1C Cup champions following a hardfought win over Oughterard in last Sunday’s final in Tuam.

Creggs dominated the opening exchanges and led 8-0 after just ten minutes following a well executed try from Michael Feeley and a Mark Brandon penalty. A second try from Tommie Devine followed a period of Oughterard dominance as Creggs went in at the half 13-0 to the good.

Creggs really upped the tempo in the second half and added a further try through Tom Farrell. Brandon added the extras for further breathing space before the inevitable Oughterard backlash.

That backlash arrived in the form of two tries in the last quarter of the game but Creggs held out to secure a 20-10 win and the first piece of silverware for the club’s second side since the 1996 Ard na Cregg Cup win.

Youth Rugby

U-14 Girls: Creggs U-14 Girls had a hard-fought win in Dunmore in what was a game of two halves. The visitors did all the scoring in the first half with tries from Emily Kelly, Ruth King and Maya Madden and three conversions from Alice Featherstone. Dunmore responded with three tries of their own in the second half but failed to convert any of them as Creggs held out.

BUCCANEERS RFC

Buccs lose out in Bateman final

High-flying Division 1A side Terenure College proved much too strong for a greatly depleted Buccaneers squad in the final

of the Bateman Cup with the Dublin outfit winning comprehensively 71-13 on the 4G surface at their own Lakelands grounds on Friday night.

The hosts fielded a near full-strength team against a

Connacht U-15 Boys Cup: Creggs 50 Monivea 10. The U-15 Boys got their cup campaign off to a great start on Monday night at home to Monivea RFC.

After going out of the cup in the first round last year, the Creggs players were on a mission to put things right this time around.

Dan Kelly was the stand-out player with four tries but Cian Kiernan got himself in on the act with two while Jack Walsh and Kaylum Curran also crossed over for one apiece. Curran added the extras to four in what was a real team performance.

The next round of the cup is scheduled for the weekend of April 1st and 2nd.

Pirates crew missing a raft of players due to injuries and some on breaks (this was a scheduled free weekend on the fixtures list) while the Academy players were also not available.

U-16s progress in Connacht Cup

A slick and sharp Buccaneers side proved too hot to handle for Westport when the sides met in the Bank of Ireland Connacht U-16 Cup

at Dubarry Park on Sunday with the home outfit emerging clearcut 53-7 victors on a windy but relatively mild day.

U-15s win in Westport

Buccaneers U-15s made the gruelling trip to Westport on a foul day of rain sleet snow and wind for a Connacht Cup tie. A resolute if at times error strewn performance saw Buccs overcoming a strong home squad by 20-10.

U-14 Girls beat cup holders

Buccaneers U-14 Girls put in a sparkling performance to overcome cup holders Tuam/Oughterard by 43-17 in a very entertaining contest at Dubarry Park on Saturday evening.

Next up is a home semifinal against local rivals Bal-

linasloe on Sunday, March 26th.

Saturday was a very busy day for Buccaneers Girls Rugby. The morning saw 12 teams visit for a Connacht Blitz at U-10 and U-12 with well over 100 girls from all over Connacht participating. Despite the conditions all teams had at least four games followed by some exceptional home catering, arranged by the U-10 and U-12 players parents. Great organisation by Sinead Kenny with help from Dan O’Meara and Larry Berrigan.

Auction on Sunday week

The venue for Buccaneers upcoming auction has been changed to The Bounty with the event still taking place on Sunday, March 26th, starting at 3.30 pm. Loads of interesting and varied items have already been confirmed

for the auction, including an Ireland jersey signed by Jonny Sexton, four tickets to the Galway Races plus G Hotel stay, one night’s dinner and B&B for two at Barberstown Castle, a ton of coal, a hot tub boat voucher and, rumour has it, a pair of Paul Mescal’s GAA shorts! A 55” smart TV, loads of gravel and sand, art items, getaway breaks and hampers are also on offer with more being added daily so something interesting for everyone to bid for on the day.

Touch Rugby table quiz

Buccaneers Touch Rugby is holding a table quiz in The Bounty on Thursday, March 30th commencing at 8 pm. Fun night out with complimentary finger food and a raffle. Entry is only €10 per person and all support will be greatly appreciated.

Creggs players Regan Fahey, Mark Brandon, and Callum Fahey pictured with the Connacht J1C Cup following last Sunday’s win over Oughterard in Tuam. Pic: Steve Fahey

Concentration ahead of a lineout throw during the U-14 Girls’ Cup match between Buccaneers and Tuam/Oughterard.

SportsPeople

Revitalised hurlers back on track!

Promotion possible as Armagh brushed aside

Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A (Round 4)

Roscommon 2-20

Armagh 0-6

< SEAMUS DUKE

The doom and gloom that surrounded the Roscommon senior hurling team only a few weeks ago has been quickly replaced by positivity and anticipation after this resounding win against Armagh at Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday.

A win in their final game against Monaghan this coming Saturday will put the county’s hurlers in with an excellent chance of a league final place and promotion.

The arrival of Seamus Qualter as manager after Francis O’Halloran’s departure has brought a new energy to the team and on Sunday they produced their best performance in the last few years.

Stat Attack

Roscommon were helped by the straight red card shown to Armagh corner back Barry Short in the 12th minute after he clashed with Naos Connaughton, who returned to the action after lengthy treatment. However, even at that stage Roscommon were 0-5 to 0-2 ahead.

Eoin Fitzgerald, Conor Mulry, Connaughton, Mark Ward, Cormac Mulry and Eamon Flanagan were outstanding as Roscommon swept forward. Flanagan scored three super points as Roscommon took over completely after the sending off and Naos Connaughton produced a brilliant performance on his return to the team as a very effective target man.

The home side led 0-14 to 0-3 at half-time and they pulled away even more inside the first minute of the second half when Connaughton pulled first time to the net. The rout was complete in the 64th min-

Wides: Roscommon 13 (8 first half)

Armagh 11 (5 first half)

Red cards: Roscommon 0

Armagh 1 (Barry Short 12)

Black cards: None

Yellow cards: Roscommon 3 (Thomas Fleming, Mickey Joe Egan, Brendan Mulry)

Armagh 1 (Shay Harvey)

Man of the Match: Naos Connaughton (Roscommon)

ute when Cormac Mulry scored the second Roscommon goal. It was a clinical display, and now a win against Monaghan opens the door to promotion for the team. It has been some turnaround.

Manager Seamus Qualter was a happy man when he spoke to the media at the full-time whistle.

“Look, It’s competitive now going into the last game against Monaghan and that’s all I wanted out of today. We got to look at 20 players and two weeks ago I didn’t know 14 of them. I know them now, and I can tell you that they are training hard. There are serious lads here in this panel. People are kind of writing us off and that is going in our favour,” he said.

“We have Monaghan on Saturday and so we get on the bus and go again. But today to stand here on the line in Hyde Park was a very proud moment for me because I did this (job) ten years ago. It was great to put on the (manager’s) bib today long after I thought I was finished”.

Finally, Seamus says that to be called back into intercounty management was a shock to the system.

“After the game against Fermanagh the players were disappointed and I called them together and told them that a week earlier I was sitting at home with a remote control in my hand and wondering what time I would go for a drink at!

“That’s how quick things change. So we have to all get on with it. I worked with all these people before - players and backroomand there are great hurling people in Roscommon and it’s great to be able to work with them again,” he concluded.

Roscommon: Enda Lawless: Thomas Fleming, Mark Ward, Darragh Mullen; Darragh Finn, Conor Cosgrove, Eamon Flanagan (0-3, 1 free); Mickey Joe Egan, Eoin Fitzgerald (0-2); Paddy Fallon (0-5, frees), Naos Connaughton (1-2), Conor Mulry (1-4); Eoin Kiernan (0-1), Adam Donnelly (0-1), Brendan Mulry.

Subs: Joe Brennan for Fitzgerald (33), Jack Dowling (0-1) for Egan (37), Gearoid Egan for B Mulry (50), Diarmuid Mulry (0-1) for Fallon (49), James Dillon for Cosgrove (68).

Armagh: Fintan Woods: Barry Short, Odhran Curry, Oisin O’Hare; Niall Lennon, Tiarnan Nevin, Stefan McPartland; Peader McBride, Fiontain Donnelly (0-1, free); Sean Og McGuinness, Cormac Jennings (0-4, 3 frees), Conor Renaghan; Danny Magee (0-1), Tam McKavanagh, Shea Harvey.

Subs: Paudie Lavin for Lennon (h/t), Nathan Curry for McBride (h/t), Odrhan McCann for McKavanagh (48), Tiarnan O’Hare for McGuinness (52), Kane Laverty for Harvey (66).

Referee: Conor Doyle (Tipperary)

Convent strike late to win All-Ireland title

All-Ireland Junior ‘D’

Post-Primary Schools

Camogie Final Replay

Convent of Mercy, Roscommon 1-8

St Augustine’s, Dungarvan 2-4

The Convent of Mercy, Roscommon claimed AllIreland glory last Saturday as a last-gasp Tara O’Brien point sealed victory over St. Augustine’s, Dungarvan in the replay of the All-Ireland Junior ‘D’ final in Rathdowney, Co. Laois.

The sides were level in the final minute of normal time when O’Brien pounced on a Dungarvan puck out to grab a late winner.

The Roscommon school had got off to a flying start and at half-time lead by 0-6 to 0-2. Siofra Hession opened the scoring while O’Brien, Laura McSharry,

Hazel Kelly and team captain Alannah Sutton were also on target.

Lily Murray, meanwhile, was doing great work around midfield while also keeping Dungarvan’s star player Eimear O’Neill quiet.

The Convent lead stretched to five points after the restart, before a Hession delivery found Laura McSharry who raised a green flag with 40 minutes played.

At this stage, a first All-Ireland junior title since 2014 looked set to be making its way back to Roscommon but Dungarvan to their credit kept fighting and amazingly brought the game level after hitting 2-2 to set up a grandstand finish.

Tara O’Brien finally settled it in the Convent of Mercy’s favour when she struck late on to secure All-Ireland glory for the Convent of Mercy.

The Convent’s defence remained solid all game with Mia White, Eve Con-

naughton and Grace Geraghty leading at the back. Lily Murray excelled in midfield while Hession, Kelly, Sutton and O’Brien were always dangerous up front.

Convent of Mercy team:

Maria Tiernan; Iona Hanley, Mia White, Ciara Killeen; Grace Geraghty, Eve Connaughton, Maria Bolger; Emma Hough, Lily Murray; Allanah Sutton (0-1), Hazel Kelly (0-3), Siofra Hession (0-1); Laura McSharry (1-

1), Tara O’Brien (0-2), Katie Kenny. Subs used: Grace Campbell and Anna Kiernan.

Convent of Mercy panel: Alannah Sutton (C), Amy Winston, Anna Kiernan, Aoife Conneely, Ava Egan, Ava

Naughton, Ciara Killeen, Clara Staunton, Deirbhile Collins, Ella Lynch, Emer Connaughton, Emily Regan, Emma Hough, Grace Campbell, Grace Geraghty, Hazel Kelly, Iona Hanley, Katie Kenny, Laura McSharry,

Lilly Murray, Maebh Egan, Maria Bolger (VC), Mia White, Moira Delaney, Sarah Jane O’Connor, Sarah Kilcline, Siofra Hession, Tara O Brien. Coaches: Teresa Hession and Martin Mc Manus.

Naos Connaughton (file pic) produced a man of the match display as the Roscommon senior hurlers earned a convincing win over Armagh at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday last. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Convent of Mercy, Roscommon brought an All-Ireland title back to the county last Saturday when they defeated St. Augustine’s, Dungarvan in the Junior ‘D’ Post Primary Schools Camogie Final in Rathdowney, Co. Laois.

Excitement builds ahead of Roscommon’s Easter Parade

See entry form, page 4

The launch of Roscommon Town Easter Parade 2023 took place in Murray’s Pub, Castle Street, Roscommon town on Wednesday evening (March 8th).

There is great excitement brewing ahead of this year’s parade, which takes place for the first time on Easter Monday (April 10th) at 2.30 pm. The decision to move this year’s parade to Easter Monday was taken to avoid a clash with the Connacht Senior Football Championship game between Roscommon and Mayo in Castlebar on Easter Sunday.

The committee took the decision to switch to Monday as both events are familyfriendly and as the Easter Parade is one of the biggest family days of the year in Roscommon town, they did not want families to have to make a choice between supporting the Rossies or attending the parade!

On Easter Monday, there will be live music from

Lady Betty from 1 pm, and the Easter Parade will then start at 2.30 pm sharp. The parade will feature marching bands, the Garda Mounted Support unit, live performers, children’s amusements, and plenty for the whole family to enjoy.

The committee announced that the theme for this year’s parade is ‘Proud Rossies’ – a reflection on the decision to move the parade on Easter Monday in order to support our senior football team.

Following on from last year, the committee is again waiving the fee for any voluntary or community group to enter the parade.

As in previous years, the committee is inviting community and voluntary groups and businesses to enter floats in the parade. There are awards on the day, generously sponsored again this year by Michael and Rita Oates of ETL. Prizes include: Best Overall, Best Community/Voluntary, Best Business, Best ‘Proud Rossie’ themed entry. Keep an eye on ‘Roscommon Easter

Parade’ on social media to see one more special prize on the day!

The parade committee is made up of volunteers and there is a huge amount of work required to host the parade itself. The festival this year is part-funded by Roscommon County Council. This festival is also funded by a Roscommon LEADER Partnership grant. The committee also rely on support and donations made by local businesses in Roscommon town and its environs, which the committee are extremely grateful for.

If you would like to be involved in one of the biggest days of the year in Roscommon town, whether to enter a float for your community/ voluntary group or business, give a donation towards costs or to help out on the day, please contact any of the executive officers: Larry Brennan (Down The Hatch) 085-1743871, JJ Cattigan 087-8512503, Patricia Mullaney (The Red Parrot) 087-2117749, and Caitlin McConn 086-0859275.

Pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade launch in Murray’s Bar, Castle Street were, back row, left to right: Niamh Malone, James McNamara, Liam Finneran, Paul Carthy, Adrian Murray, Mike Murray, Anthony Burke, John Doorly, Mark Molloy, JJ Cattigan. Front row, left to right: Martina Fallon, Caitlin McConn, Larry Brennan, Patricia Mullaney, Rita Oates and Rochelle Mullaney. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent launch of the 2023 Roscommon Easter Parade, held in Murray’s Bar, Castle Street, were Rochelle Mullaney, Patricia Mullaney, Caitlin McConn and Rita Oates. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh